175 years ago today - Jul 18, 1836

[Joseph Smith] Gov. Dunklin sends a letter to the Missouri Saints saying that although he sympathizes with them, the public considers them obnoxious and has determined to expel them; and it is therefore useless for him to go against the overwhelming public sentiment. He tells them that if they cannot convince their fellow inhabitants that they are totally innocent, they had better leave the county, because "all I can say to you is that in this Republic the vox populi is the vox Dei" (the voice of the people is the voice of God). (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:461-62.)

[Source: Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]