1843 - The Prophet Joseph issues a political statement that was to be published in The Wasp, Nauvoo's newspaper at the time, that included "my feelings revolt at the idea of having anything to do with politics . . . I think it would be well for politicians to regulate their own affairs.  I wish to be let alone, that I may attend strictly to the spiritual welfare of the Church" (History of the Church, 5:259).  However, political forces of the time would never allow the Prophet to avoid political matters.