33. St.Stephenis said to have been stoned this day, Paul consenting.
329. Constantinople founded, about the same day that Solomon dedicated his temple at Jerusalem, 1005B. C.
1087.William II, surnamed Rufus, proclaimed and crowned king of England.
1415. Harfleur, a town in France, surrendered unconditionally to Henry V of England, after a siege of five weeks, and their defences had been demolished.
1417.Francis Zabarella, an Italian cardinal, died; noted for his great learning and virtues.
1534.Clement VII(Julius de Medicis), pope, died. It was in consequence of his refusing to ratify the acts of Henry VIII, and the issuing of a bull of excommunication against that monarch, that England was separated from the Roman church.
1635.Adrian Metiusdied; a learned Dutch mathematician and author.
1722.William Massieudied; a French writer, much admired, who after becoming blind met his death by a stroke of apoplexy.
1747. The leaden coffin of the noted Dr. Sacheverel, and Sally Salisbury, with 150 others, stolen from the church.
1766. The dividends on East India stock advanced in England from 6 to 10 per cent, in consequence of the success of lord Clive.
1776. Congress appointed Benj. Franklin, Silas Dean and Thomas Jefferson, commissioners to the court of France. They were the first persons appointed by the United States to act in the capacity of ministers plenipotentiary, but as the country had not yet been acknowledged by any power, they were designated by the humble title of commissioners.
1777. The British army under lord Howe entered Philadelphia. Washington's army lay at Skippack creek, 18 miles distant from the city.
1780. The advance of Cornwallis' army, consisting of Tarleton's legion, engaged the Americans at Charlotte court house, under Col. Davis.
1789.Edmund Randolphcommissioned the first attorney-general of the United States.
1799. Zurich, in Switzerland, taken by the French under Massena, and Lavater, while occupied in the streets assisting the distressed, received a shot in the side, of which he ultimately died. (Jan. 2.)
1811. A well 400 feet deep and 5 in diameter, exhibiting a fine specimen of ancient masonry, was discovered in the keep at Dover castle.
1812.George Frederick Cooke, an eminent English tragedian, died at New York, aged 57.
1812. The Russian army under Essen, entered Miltau, the French and Prussians under Macdonald, having previously evacuated it, leaving behind a vast quantity of provisions, and the whole mass of pelisses, which were the sum of the requisition upon Courland, and of vast importance to an army in so cold a region.
1813. Privateer schooner Saratoga, of New York, 10 guns and 116 men, captured by boarding, British packet ship Morgiana, 18 guns, 50 men, off Surinam.
1814. American privateer brig, Gen. Armstrong, attacked in Fayal roads, a neutral port, by the boats of three British ships. They were twice beaten off and several of the boats sunk. Capt. Reid was obliged to scuttle his vessel, and the British commander threatened to burn the town if she was not delivered up. American loss, 2 killed, 7 wounded; British loss, 120 killed, 130 wounded.
1815. Treaty of peace and alliance signed at Paris between the emperors of Austria, Russia and Prussia.
1822.John Owen, an eminent English divine, died. He was one of the originators of the British Foreign Bible Society, to whose establishment and extension he devoted his life with the greatest zeal.
1828. A monument erected at Charlestown, Mass., to the memory of John Harvard, founder of Harvard college, 190 years after his death. It is a monolith, 15 feet high and 4 feet square at the bottom; the expense of which was defrayed by a contribution of one dollar from each of the graduates of the college.
1828.John G. C. Brainard, an American poet of considerable note, died, aged 32.
1842.Richard Riker, for many years recorder of the city of New York, died, aged 69. He was a gentleman of the old school, and much respected.
1847. The valuable library of the royal society of Icelandic literature in Copenhagen was destroyed by fire. More than 2,000 unpublished MSS. were consumed.
1854. The French police organized at Paris on the plan of that of London; the number to be 2,900, to do duty day and night, under charge of two commissioners, at an annual cost of about $1,200,000.
1855. The corner stone of the Masonic hall laid in Philadelphia with ceremony, over 4,000 masons marching in procession.
489.Theodoric, the Ostrogoth, defeated Odoacer, king of Italy, near Verona, who fled to Ravenna.
642.Sigebert, king of the East-Angles, assassinated. He was a munificent prince, noted as the founder of churches, schools and monasteries; supposed to have been the founder of Cambridge university.
1087.William II, surnamed Rufus, crowned at Westminster. In his reign Malcolm of Scotland was slain at Alnwich by the earl of Northumberland, whose spear piercing Malcolm's eye, gave to Northumberland the surname of Percy (p' eye).
1106. Battle before the walls of Tinchebrai, between the two brothers, Henry of England and Robert of Normandy, in which the latter was defeated and imprisoned nearly thirty years.
1415. The reduction of Harfleur, in France, by Henry V, of England; he rifled the town of its affluent stores, and dismissed the inhabitants with five pennies.
1540. PopePaul IIIconfirmed the order of the Jesuits, and authorized its establishment.
1563.Nicholas Episcopius(or rather Bishop), a celebrated printer of Basil, died at London, where he had fled from France to avoid persecution.
1566.Mark Jerome Vida, a celebrated Latin poet, died, aged 96. Many tributes of praise have been paid to his genius and merits.
1615.Arabella Stuartdied insane in the Tower of London.
1700.Innocent XII(Anthony Pignatelli), pope, died. He protested against the system adopted by his predecessors, of paying particular honors to the relations of the popes, and condemned Fenelon'sMaxims of the Saints.
1715.Thomas Burnet, a learned and ingenious English writer, died; author of theSacred Theory of the Earth, which was very popular.
1719.George Smalridge, bishop of Bristol, died; an elegant theological writer.
1729. Great fire in Constantinople, which consumed 12,000 houses. 7000 persons are said to have perished in the flames.
1730.Lawrence Eusden, an English divine and poet, died. He was preferred to the laureateship.
1731. A gang of felons, 130 in number, were taken from Newgate, and put aboard a ship to be transported to America, to colonize the country. In the next century they sent their felons to Botany Bay, and their paupers to America, several shiploads having been discharged on the coast, entirely destitute, directly from poor-houses.
1736.Rene Duguay Trouindied; a celebrated French admiral, who displayed the greatest skill, united with the most consummate wisdom.
1741.Dominic Perennindied at Pekin; a French Jesuit, who was sent on a mission to China, where he was well received by the emperor.
1743. The first act of governor Clinton was to dissolve the legislature, and issue writs the same day for convening another.
1749.John Sargent, a noted missionary among the Indians, died at Stockbridge.
1751. A mosaic pavement and other relics of Roman antiquity discovered at Avenches, in the canton of Bern.
1759.Isaac Maddox, bishop of Worcester, died. He rose to preferment from a very low station in life, and was conspicuous for the many benevolent institutions which he promoted.
1772.James Brindleydied; an extraordinary mechanical genius, particularly successful in planning and executing projects of internal navigation, which were done without any drawing or model.
1775.Edward Lovibonddied; an English poet of considerable talents.
1777. The American frigate Delaware, 32 guns, anchored within 500 yards of the unfinished British batteries at Philadelphia and seconded by another frigate and some smaller vessels commenced a heavy fireupon them. She grounded and struck her colors, and the other vessels were compelled to retire.
1782.Hyder Allydefeated by the British under sir Eyre Coote.
1783.Stephen Bezoutdied; a French writer on mathematics, navigation and algebra.
1799. Rome, the eternal city, surrendered to the British.
1805.William Moultrie, a distinguished officer of the revolution, died. He was a member of congress at the commencement of the war, and made a brave defence of Sullivan's island in 1776.
1810. Battle of Sierra Busaco, in Portugal; the French under Massena defeated with a loss of about 5000, by the British and Portuguese under Wellington, who lost 1000.
1811. Battle of Aldea de Ponte; the French under Marmont attacked the British general Cole; but were unsuccessful.
1811.Bonaparteestablished a maritime conscription in the Hanseatic towns.
1812. Americans under colonel Newman defeated a party of Indians under king Paine, who was killed. A second attack was made by 200 Indians to recover his body, in which they succeeded, but with great loss.
1813. Americans under general Harrison landed in Canada, and in one hour took possession of Malden, evacuated by general Proctor after burning the fort and stores.
1832. Battle of Galeneta, in Mexico, between the partisans of general Montezuma, 5000 men, and those of Bustamente, 3500, in which the former were completely defeated.
1833. Deaths at Tampico, Mexico, by cholera and yellow fever, during the season to this date 2000, out of a population of 5200.
1833.Rammohun Roy, a learned Bramin, died in England. He published works in Sanscrit, Arabic, Persian, Bengalee and English, and was acquainted with ten languages.
1835.Gervaise de la Rue, a celebrated French antiquary, died at a very great age. He wrote various learned works relating to the poetry and literature of the middle ages.
1841.Nicholas Brown, a wealthy and munificent merchant, died at Providence, aged 73. He graduated in 1786 at the college of Rhode Island, of which institution he afterwards became the benefactor, in consequence of which its name was changed in 1804 to Brown University.
1848.Michael Hoffman, an American statesman, died at Brooklyn, N. Y., aged 60. He was a physician in Herkimer co., and was long a member of congress from that district. He held other offices, and was noted for stern integrity.
1848. CountLamberg, the imperial commissioner, appointed to take chief command in Hungary, was slain by the Hungarian population at Pesth, where he had recently arrived.
1849. Great fire at Owego, N. Y., which destroyed the place so completely that but three shops were left standing.
1849. The fortress of Comorn, in Hungary, one of the strongest in Europe, taken by the Austrians.
1854. The steamer Arctic, captain Luce, when about 50 miles distant from cape Race, came in collision with the French screw steamer Vesta, in a dense fog, by which her bows were stove in, and she filled and sunk in about five hours. The Arctic had 410 persons on board, including the crew, of which 22 passengers and 65 of the crew were saved, and 212 passengers and 110 of the crew were lost; of the 61 women and 19 children on board, not one was saved. The conduct of the crew is said to have been selfish, mutinous and dastardly.
1855.John Adamsondied at New-Castle-upon-Tyne, aged 68; an English author of a work upon the life and writings of Camoens, and devoted to literary and scientific pursuits, and to antiquarian research.
490B. C.Battle of Marathon is said to have occurred at the full of the moon on this Julian day. (SeeAug. 6.)
351. Battle of Murza, on the Drave, in which the emperor Constantius defeated Magnentius in a most desperate conflict.
855.Lothaire I, emperor of Germany, died. He seized the person of his father, and confined him in a monastery, and waged a bloody war with his brother, during which 100,000 men fell in a single battle.
1014. Nearly the whole of Flanders was immersed by a storm.
1066.William of Normandy(the Conqueror) arrived at the coast of England, on his memorable invasion.
1197.Henry VI, emperor of Germany, died. He had the meanness to detain Richard of England, who had been shipwrecked on the coast of Dalmatia. With the large sum of money obtained for the ransom of his illustrious captive he made war against Sicily, and plundered and desolated the country.
1396. Battle of Nicopolis; the Turks under Bajazet achieved a famous victoryover the king of Hungary. The greater part of an army of 100,000 confederate Christians were slain, or driven into the Danube, and Sigismund, escaping by the river and the Black sea, returned after a long circuit to his exhausted kingdom. Aroutpreserved Europe.
1567.John Stainingerdied at Braunau, in Austria; he was remarkable for the length of his beard, which reached to the ground.
1582.George Buchanan, a learned Scottish historian, has his death placed on this day by several authorities. (SeeFeb. 28.)
1616.Joshua Sylvester, an English poet, died.
1667.James Golius, an eminent Dutch orientalist, died. He traveled into several countries, and published some learned works.
1670. The London royal exchange, having been rebuilt, was opened.
1687. The Venetians under Morosini bombarded Athens, when a bomb fired the powder magazine kept by the Turks in the Parthenon. This noble building, which had stood nearly 2000 years, and was then nearly perfect, was by this calamity reduced to a ruin, and with it perished the ever memorable remains of the genius of Phidias. In attempting to remove the chariot of victory, which stood on the west pediment of the Parthenon, it fell and was dashed to pieces. Though the ancient edifices of the Greeks suffered much from the Turks, the siege of Morosini did infinitely more damage to the Parthenon than it had sustained during the 2000 years of its existence. A fine basso relievo, supposed to belong to the frieze of the building, has lately been discovered.
1708. The French defeated near Wynnendale, yet by means of 2000 horsemen each with a bag of powder behind him, contrived to throw supplies into Lisle.
1728.Henry Brownobtained a patent from the English government for an improvement in the manufacture of cannon.
1742.Hugh Boulter, primate of Ireland, died, leaving behind him an enviable reputation. During the great scarcity of 1741 in Ireland, 2500 persons were daily supported at his expense.
1742.John Baptist Massillon, a famous French ecclesiastic, died. His name has almost become proverbial as a powerful master of eloquence. (18th?)
1763.John Byrom, an English poet, died. He was also famous as the inventor of a system of short hand writing.
1768. The commissioners of the customs having solicited the presence of a regular force in Boston, two British regiments, escorted by seven armed vessels, arrived from Halifax and took up quarters in the town.
1776.Cadwallader Colden, lieutenant-governor of New York under the British dynasty, died, aged 88. He was a Scottish physician; his publications were numerous in botany, medicine, history and philosophy.
1777. GeneralWayne, with a detachment of 1500 men, on the left wing of the British army, was surprised and defeated with a loss of about 300.
1778. A regiment of American cavalry stationed at Tappan on the Hudson river, was surprised while sleeping, by the British under general Gray, who rushed upon them with their bayonets, and giving them no quarter, 67 were killed, wounded and taken.
1779. The famed Houghton collection of pictures (lord Walpole's) was purchased by the empress of Russia, and shipped for Petersburg.
1780. Americans under general Marion attacked a party of tories at Black Mingo; several were killed and others taken.
1789.Thomas Day, an eminent English writer and eloquent speaker, killed by a fall from his horse.
1791. The French ships Recherche and L'Esperance under admiral D'Entrecasteaux and Hunon Kermadoc, sailed from Brest in search of La Perouse. The expedition was extremely unfortunate, both commanders dying on the voyage, and the ships and crews were seized by the Dutch governor at Java.
1795. The British under general Stuart took Jaffnapatam in the East Indies.
1803.Ralph Griffiths, an English writer, died; known in the republic of letters as the projector of theMonthly Review, begun 1749, and which became so popular as to procure him a comfortable independence, upon which he retired.
1839.William Dunlap, a portrait and historical painter, died at New York, aged 74. He also wrote several valuable historical works, besides biographies and dramas.
1842. CaptainEnoch Preble, a skillful seaman and eminent philanthropist, died at Portland, Me.
1843.Shobal L. Vai Clevenger, an American sculptor of high reputation, died at sea, aged 31.
1848.Edward R. Tyler, editor of theNew Englander, died in New Haven, Ct., aged 48. He was for many years engaged with ability and usefulness as a congregational minister at Middletown and at Colebrook.
1850. The North Star, which was sent out from England in 1849, arrived at Spitheadon her return. She was imprisoned in the ice from Oct. 1, 1849 to Aug. 1, 1850.
1852.William Finden, a celebrated English engraver, died at London of heart disease, aged 66.
1853. A deputation from the protestant alliance waited upon lord Clarendon to state the case of Miss Cunningham, arrested at Lucca for distributing an Italian version of theBibleandPilgrim's Progress, and to urge the government to procure her immediate liberation.
1853. The ship Annie Jane, from Liverpool, was driven on the Barra island, one of the Hebrides, and of 450 passengers 348 were drowned.
1854. The United States sloop of war Albany, James T. Gerry, commander, sailed from Aspinwall and was never more heard of.
1854.George Field, an English philosopher, died, aged 77; well known for his success in the application of science to the arts.
1066.William(the Conqueror) landed in England, at Pevensey, in Sussex, and made the conquest of the country, and revolutionized its institutions.
1399.Richard IIresigned his right to the crown, publicly acknowledging his incapacity to reign.
1494.Columbusmet with his brother Bartholomew at the town of Isabella in the West Indies, after a separation of fourteen years, during which the latter had paid an unsuccessful visit to the court of England.
1513. Fall of Tournay, in Belgium, which closed the campaign of the English under Henry VIII.
1526. Rome taken by the partisans of cardinal Calonna, when the palace of the Vatican, the church of St. Peter, and the pope's ministers and servants were plundered.
1560.Gustavus Vasa, king of Sweden, died. He recovered the kingdom from the Danish yoke, and established the protestant religion in his country.
1564. The earl ofLeicesterwas ennobled, on which occasion it is said coaches were first brought to London.
1604. The act of kingJamesagainstwitcheswent into operation.
1622.Conrad Vorstiusdied; a learned German protestant divine and polemical writer, who succeeded Arminius in the divinity chair at Leyden.
1720. The greatSouth sea bubble, a scheme for paying off the national debt of England, burst and involved an incredible number of people in utter ruin. The capital of the company was about $168,000,000.
1759. Volcano of Jorullo, in Mexico, by which a mountain was thrown up in a single night to the height of 1224 feet in the midst of a large plain. The volcano is surrounded by numerous conical hills, from which smoke is continually issuing.
1760. The astronomerMaskelynewas sent by the English government to St. Helena, and Mr.Masonto Bencoolen, to observe the transit of Venus on the 6th June, 1761. Three astronomers were sent from France for a like purpose.
1764. Battle between the Irish White boys and English troops near Kilkenny. Several killed on both sides.
1772.John Benjamin Michaelis, one of the minor German poets, died in his 25th year.
1778. American frigate Raleigh, after gallantly engaging two British men of war some time, ran on shore, and was captured.
1791. The national assembly of France dissolved itself.
1793.Francis Rozier, an eminent French agriculturist, killed by a bomb at Lyons, which fell on his bed, while he was asleep. He published a work on agriculture in 10 volumes quarto.
1793. The French convention decreed the incorporation with the French republic of all the Austrian possessions on the west side of the Rhine.
1809.Charles Francis Dupuis, a French philosopher, died; having filled several important professorships and civil offices. He published a work on the origin of all modes of religious worship, in 3 volumes quarto.
1813. The Americans under generalHarrisontook possession of Sandwich and Detroit.
1825.Daniel Shays, noted for the part he took in the celebrated rebellion of 1786, which bears his name, died at Sparta, aged 64. He had been an officer in the revolutionary army, and enjoyed a pension.
1827. CaptainsParryandFranklinreached the admiralty, from the arctic and overland American expeditions. The latitude made by Parry was 82¾ degrees.
1833.Ferdinand VII, king of Spain, died, and was buried with great pomp in the Escurial. His reign was a period of disaster to Spain, during which she sank rapidly into insignificance as a European kingdom. He received a superior education, but was a superstitious and weak minded man, the victim or the tool of artful ministers or bigoted priests. His first wife, an accomplished woman, waspoisoned in 1806, the second died 1808; the third 1829; the fourth by whom alone he had issue, outlived him. It was during his reign that the inquisition was re-established and six years afterwards permanently abolished. In his latter years he seemed to take little or no interest in public affairs, but continued to reign, nominally, goaded on one side by the liberals, and on the other by the absolutists, or apostolical party as they called themselves, who were for ruling by terror.
1840.John Marshall, author of various works on manufactures, commerce and statistics, died at London, aged 58.
1843.Richard Harlan, a noted writer on natural history, died of apoplexy at New Orleans. His parents were among the first quaker families that emigrated from England.
1848.George F. Ruxton, a British officer, died at St. Louis, Mo., aged 38 (Allen says 88). He wrote the series inBlackwood's Magazineon life in the far west, and also a book of adventures in Mexico and the Rocky mountains.
1854. Marshalde Saint Arnaud, a commander of the French forces in the Crimea, died at Balaclava, aged 53. He served in Algeria, and conducted an expedition against the Kabyles; also executed thecoup d'étatfor Louis Napoleon. He is represented as a man of deep religious impressions, was courted by the clergy, and had been much engaged in building chapels.
1855. The Russians, 35,000 strong, attacked Kars, gained possession of the redoubt four times, and were four times driven back, and at length retreated, leaving 4,000 dead in the trenches and around the city. Loss of the garrison about 800.
610B. C.A total eclipse of the sun, foretold by the skill of Thales, which determined the battle between the Lydians and Medes.
480B. C.The Carthagenians were overthrown at Gelo by Himera.
480B. C.The great victory of Themistocles over the Persians at Salamis, is also placed upon this day by some authorities. (SeeAug. 20.)
61B. C.The great and unrivaled triumph of Pompey, which continued two days, for having concluded a war of 30 years, in which he had vanquished, slain and captured 2,183,000 men; sunk or taken 846 ships; reduced under the empire 1538 towers and fortresses, and subdued all the countries between the Mœotian lake and the Red sea. The golden vine of Aristobulus, king of the Jews, a little chapel of pearl consecrated to the Muses, surmounted by a sun-dial, and twenty kings and princes, with a string of barbaric gods, were among the trophies which preceded the car of the conqueror.
420.Jerome, one of the fathers of the Christian church, died. He was famous for his eloquence, his virtue and his extensive learning.
788.Abdurrahman I, founder of the dynasty of Beni Umeggah in Spain, died, aged 62. On the defeat of his house in the east, he subdued Spain and founded a dynasty which continued 300 years.
1139. A revolt from king Stephen in favor of the empress Maud, daughter of Henry I, of England.
1283.David, brother of Llewellyn of Wales, executed by Edward as a traitor. This opened the way for the title of prince of Wales to the princes of England.
1291.Rodolph I, emperor of Germany, died. He added Austria, Styria and Carniola to his dominions by conquest.
1400.Owen Glendowererected his standard as prince of Wales.
1435.Isabellaof Bavaria, queen of France, died. She was a licentious and intriguing woman, who preferred the interests of England to the prosperity of her own country.
1517.Luthermaintained his ninety-five propositions at Wittemberg.
1572. PopePius Vdied. He issued the famous bull, absolving the subjects of queen Elizabeth from their allegiance, but the lioness of England heeded not such bellowings.
1628.Fulk Greville, lord Brooke, assassinated; a literary character of considerable celebrity in the reigns of Elizabeth and James I.
1630.Isaac Johnson, one of the principal founders of the city of Boston, died. He was the first magistrate who died in the colony, and was buried on his own lot. The first burying place in Boston was laid out around his grave. The spot is now built upon, being bounded by Tremont, Cornhill, Court and School streets.
1632.Thomas Allendied; an Englishman, eminent for his knowledge of mathematics and philosophy.
1659.Juan de Palafox, an illustrious Spanish ecclesiastic, died. He was appointed bishop of Los Angelos in America, where he displayed an admirable character.
1662. A rencontre between the French and Spanish ambassadors, at which many were killed. The contest was precedency.
1682. ColonelThomas Donganpreferred by the duke of York to the governmentof his province of New York in America.
1707.John Reinhold de Palkul, a Livonian gentleman, who resented the oppression his country suffered from the Swedes, was basely broken on the wheel, by order of Charles XII.
1719.Bernard Renau D'Elisagaray, a French mathematician, died. He obtained a pension for his improvements in the construction of ships.
1747.Thomas Halldied, aged 6 years; four feet six inches high, and weighing upwards of seven stone. He died as if of extreme old age.
1761.John Dollonddied; an eminent English optician and inventor of the achromatic telescope.
1770.George Whitefield, one of the founders of the sect of the methodists, died at Newburyport, Mass., aged 55. He visited America seven times, and preached in all parts of the Atlantic states with great power and success.
1775. British ship Rose, captain Wallace, cannonaded Stonington. The town was considerably injured, 2 persons killed and a loaded schooner and two sloops carried off.
1779. ColonelJohn White, with 6 volunteers and his servant, captured a company of 141 British, posted on the Ogeeche river, and brought them safe to an American post 25 miles distant. He also took 5 vessels, one of 12 and another of 10 guns. The exploit was effected by kindling large fires round the post, and making such other parade as demonstrated a large encampment.
1781. Yorktown invested by the American and French armies under Washington and Rochambeau, assisted by the French fleet under count d'Estaing.
1789. Nova Castella and several villages in Italy destroyed by an earthquake.
1790. GeneralHarmerwith 320 regulars and 1133 militia, defeated the Indians at Miami village, in Ohio, but with the loss of 141 killed and 31 wounded. The loss of the Indians was estimated at about 100 killed and 300 wigwams burnt. They also destroyed 20,000 barrels of corn, and a great quantity of other provisions.
1793. A furious riot occurred at Bristol, England, on the erection of a new toll gate on the bridge. Several persons were killed and wounded by the military. But the tumults were allayed by the Bristoleans' agreeing to raise the money some other way than by toll.
1795.George Butt, an English prelate and poet, died.
1797. The state road having been completed, the first stage started from fort Schuyler (Utica) and arrived at Geneva in the afternoon of the third day, with four passengers.
1811.Thomas Percy, a learned English prelate, died. Besides hisReliques of Ancient English Poetry, a valuable work, he published translations from the Chinese, Icelandic and Hebrew languages.
1824.William Windham Sadler, an English æronaut, killed by a fall from his balloon. The accident occurred by the car being driven against the chimney in the descent. He was a skillful chemist and engineer, cut off at the early age of 28.
1826.Joseph Peter Picot Cloriviere, director of the monastery in Georgetown, D. C., died. He was a royalist of France, and the reputed inventor of the infernal machine for which he had to leave his country.
1826. A magazine of powder near Ostend, containing 1,300 barrels, or about 60 tons, exploded, damaging many houses by the concussion, and destroyed several lives.
1830. Independence of the South American republics acknowledged by France.
1849.Silas Jenison, for several years governor of Vermont, died at Shoreham, an esteemed and valuable citizen.
1849. Mrs.Maurydied in Virginia; an artist, linguist and authoress, known in the United States by herStatesmen of America.
1849.Robert Goldsborough, for many years president of the medical and chirurgical society of Maryland, died at Centreville.
2016B. C.The call of Abraham is placed by Eusebius upon this day,A. M.1921. The Cæsarian era used by the Syrians, commenced from the same Julian day, first of their month Tisri,B. C.48.
325.Constantineordered that those criminals hitherto employed by a barbarous custom in the gladiator shows, should be sent to the mines.
829.Michael II(the Stammerer), emperor of the East, died. He was of obscure origin, and dragged from prison to the throne on the death of Leo. He compelled the Christians to observe the sabbath and other holy days of the Jewish law.
1240. Dedication of the cathedral church of St. Paul's, at London.
1500.John Alcock, a distinguished English prelate, died. His great learning recommended him to preferment, and he was appointed president of Wales and chancellor of England. He founded Jesus college.
1621. By an act of the British parliament, no tobacco was to be imported after this date but from Virginia and the Somer isles, and none to be planted in England. The merchant was to receive no more than eight, and the retailer ten shillings the pound, but they who sold by the pipe might make the most they could!
1664. Articles of capitulation were agreed to between the English under sir Robert Carr, and the Dutch and Swedes, on Delaware bay and river; which completed the subjection of New Netherland to the British crown.
1670.Jaques de Paulmier, an eminent French physician, died. Besides some prose works he wrote poems in several European languages.
1684. Review of the marines at Putney heath, which were first established in England this year.
1684.Peter Corneille, the great French poet, died. His dramas were eminently successful, and his poems are among the sublimest effusions of the French muse.
1728. Mr.Philipse, speaker of the New York assembly, held a treaty with the Six Nations at Albany, and renewed the ancient covenant. He gave them great presents, and engaged them in the defence of Oswego.
1746. Battle of Roucoux, between the allies, who were defeated with the loss of 5,000 men and prince Tingray killed, and the French, whose loss was nearly equal.
1748. Action between the British fleet, admiral Knowles, 7 ships, and the Spanish fleet, under Spinola, 6 ships and a frigate. The latter were defeated with the loss of two ships.
1756. Battle of Lowositz, between the king of Prussia and the Austrians under Braun. Each army sustained a loss of about 2,500.
1761. Schweidnitz, a strong fortress in Silesia taken from the Prussians by a skillful coup-de-main of the Austrians under Laudohn. The governor and about 3,000 men were made prisoners.
1768. British troops landed at Boston from Halifax, and one regiment was quartered at Faneuil hall. (Sept. 30. ?)
1777.Alexander Sumorokof, founder of the Russian theatre, died at Moscow. He wrote a number of plays and historical works.
1778.William Butlermade a successful expedition against the Indian towns, and returned to Schoharie on the 16th.
1795.Robert Bakewell, an eminent English agriculturist and cattle breeder, died. His improvements in the breeds of domestic animals were unprecedented; a single ram selling for nearly $4,000.
1796.James Fordycedied; a popular and eloquent Scottish preacher, who left behind him several excellent moral and religious works.
1799.John William Bruguieres, an eminent French botanist and mineralogist, died.
1800. Treaty of St. Ildefonso, by which Spain ceded Louisiana to France.
1802. Ratification of a treaty between Bonaparte and the bey of Tripoli, effected by Col. Sebastiana, who the same day concluded a treaty between the Swedes and the bey, by which the Swedesengaged to pay 150,000 piasters for the captives, and an annuity of 8,000 more.
1807. The first steam boat sailed from New York to Albany. It was 130 feet in length, called the Clermont, and made 5 miles an hour.
1831.Blackhoof, a chief of the Shawnee tribe of Indians, died at Wapaghkonnetto, aged 114. He was at the defeats of Braddock, St. Clair, Harmer and Crawford, and probably the last survivor of the former disaster.
1838. The law abolishing imprisonment for debt in England went into operation.
1841. The Chinese island of Chusan recaptured by the British forces under sir H. Gough, with the loss of only 2 killed and 24 wounded.
1842. The war in Afghanistan closed by the capture of Ghuznee and Cabul, and the withdrawal of the British troops.
1847. A telescopic comet was discovered by a lady of Nantucket, Mass., in the constellation Cepheus.
1847. A violent tornado unroofed the steam factory in Portsmouth, N. H.; weight not less than 70,000 pounds. It separated into 3 sections, one falling within 100 feet, another 200, the rafters coming down endways and sinking 4 feet in the earth; the largest section weighing 30,000 pounds, was carried 300 feet.
1848.James Biddle, United States commodore, died at Philadelphia, aged 65.
1849. Hudson river rail road opened to Peekskill.
1850. Whitehall and Rutland rail road opened.
1853. The Turkish divan resolved on the most vigorous measures against Russia, and the sultan signed the declaration of war, and permitted the allied fleets to pass the Dardanelles.
1854. The shores around the harbor of Vera Cruz strewn with an immense number of dead fish, supposed to have been killed by the gas evolved in some submarine volcanic eruption.
1854. The steamer Yankee Blade from San Francisco to Panama, struck a reef of rocks, and was wrecked. Although there were 800 passengers on board, all but 15 were saved; $153,000 of specie was lost.
331B. C.Darius, king of Persia defeated by Alexander at Arbela, losing 300,000 men. This defeat of Darius decided the fate of Persia.
322B. C.Aristotle, the celebrated Greek philosopher, died. It is said that he threw himself into the Euripus because he could not satisfactorily explain the cause of the tides. He was the first person on record who was possessed of a private library.
1346. The Scots under kingDavidtook Liddel castle in Cumberland, after a siege of six days, beheaded the governor, plundered the abbey of Lanercrost, and then directed his march towards Durham.
1394.Richard IIhaving made a truce with France, landed in Ireland with a large force; he succeeded in reducing the natives to obedience, who in the absence of the English barons and knights, had intercepted and refused the revenues. The country was divided, at that time, into different kingdoms.
1410. The heroic earl ofWarwickwasretainedunder covenant by prince Henry, at awageof 250 marks. Whenever he should be in the king's court, he was to have four esquires and six yeomen with him, and diet for them all; and the prince should have a third part of what he acquired in battle, and the third of the thirds of what should be taken by Richard the earl's men at arms.
1629.Peter Berulle, a French bishop, distinguished for his learning and exemplary piety and virtues, died at the altar while performing mass.
1661.Barten Holyday, an English divine, died; known as the author of several literary and theological works.
1693.Charles Patin, a distinguished French physician, died at Padua. At the age of 14 he maintained a disputation for five hours in Greek and Latin, and took the degree of master of arts.
1710. The conquest of Port Royal, or Annapolis Royal completed by the British and colonial forces under colonel Nicholson.
1711. Memorable fire in Boston, which swept down Cornhill, and other streets, and was attended with loss of life and limb.
1724.Francis Timoleon de Choisi, a French ecclesiastic, died. He was sent by the French government to convert the emperor of Siam, who had expressed a wish to embrace Christianity. He wrote several historical and other works.
1746. The French East India squadron destroyed at Madras by a hurricane.
1780.John Andre, a British officer, hanged at Tappan, New York, as a spy, while Arnold made his escape to the British head quarters, where he received £10,000 and a commission in the army, as a reward for his treachery.
1780. A violent hurricane in the West Indies, which devastated the island of Jamaica. In one town of 200 inhabitants, not a vestige of man, beast or habitationwas left. Twelve men of war were lost, and in most of them their entire crews perished.
1782.Charles Lee, a major-general in the revolutionary army, died. He was an officer in the British army at the age of 11, and distinguished himself in 1762 under Burgoyne in Portugal. He joined the American army at the outbreak of the war, but was suspended after the battle of Monmouth, for some improper conduct.
1786.Augustus Keppel, a distinguished British admiral, died. He accompanied Anson in his voyage round the world.
1801.Augustus Ferdinand Veltheim, an eminent German mineralogist, died; he published several valuable scientific works.
1803.Samuel Adams, governor of Massachusetts, died, aged 82; distinguished as a writer and a patriot, and for his influence in forwarding the American revolution; of stern integrity, dignified manners and great suavity of temper. He and John Hancock were proscribed when a pardon was offered to every one else.
1812. British cannonaded Ogdensburg.
1841.James Fraser, the founder and publisher ofFraser's Magazine, died in London; when literature lost an earnest supporter, and literary men a generous patron.
1842. The United States sloop-of-war Concord was lost on the rocks in the Mozambique channel, and one or two of the crew perished.
1842.William Ellery Channing, an eminent unitarian preacher of Boston, died at Bennington, Vt. He was born 1780, and ordained 1803 at the Federal street church. He was honored throughout Christendom, for his learning and eloquence.
1846.Benjamin Waterhouse, an eminent American botanist, died, aged 92. He completed his studies in Europe, and graduated at Leyden; on his return home was elected to a professorship in Harvard university.
1848.Henry Burbeck, an officer of the revolution, died at New London, aged 94. He retired from the public service in 1815, having spent 38 years in almost incessant activity.
382. The Goths submitted to the Roman empire under Theodosius.
1003.Abdulmalik ibn Shoheydexecuted; a poet and historian of Cordova, who for his military services was made governor of Toledo. He wrote a history of the Spanish Arabs in 100 vols.; was put to death by order of Hisham II.
1187. Jerusalem acquired by the arms of Saladin the Turk.
1405.Henry IVgranted to sir John Stanley the isle of Man in the Irish sea.
1573. The Spaniards abandoned the famous siege of Leyden; during which Kanava obtained celebrity for her patriotism.
1594. Battle of Glenlivet, in which the forces of James V under the duke of Argyle were defeated by the Scotch.
1689.Quirinus Kuhlman, a German fanatic, burnt at Moscow for some seditious prophecies.
1690.Robert Barclay, an eminent Scottish writer, of the society of quakers, died. HisApology for the Quakersis esteemed the standard of their doctrines, and has been published in many of the European languages.
1691. The English and Irish war ended by the fall of Limerick.
1733.Charles St. Yves, a skillful French oculist, died; author of a valuable treatise on the diseases of the eye.
1751.James Logandied; a learned quaker, who accompanied Penn to America in 1699, and assisted in the government of the colony. His library contained 3,000 volumes, and was the largest in the colony; he understood several ancient and modern languages, and his writings were republished in Europe.
1768.Ferdinand Warner, an English divine, died; celebrated for his theological, biographical, historical and medical writings.
1793. The last two male natives of Pitcairn's island murdered by the three survivors of the British ship Bounty.
1794. The fortress of Juliers opened its gates to the victorious French, on the famous victory over the Austrians on the banks of the Roer, which delivered all the German provinces on the west side of the Rhine into the hands of the republicans.
1803.Victor Alfieri, an eminent Italian dramatic poet, died. Within less than seven years he produced fourteen dramas, besides various other works in prose and verse, including a translation of Sallust. His posthumous works were published in 13 vols., two of which are occupied by his auto-biography.
1811. First newspaper issued at Buffalo, N. Y.
1813. Battle of Wartenburg, a small town on the left bank of the Elbe, between the Prussian army of 24,000 under Blucher, and the French under Bertrand, of 20,000. The former made a memorable march from Bautzen to the Elbe. The river was wide and rapid, and the pontoons were thrown over under the fire of the French, who were defeated with much loss.
1815.Juan Diez Porlier, a celebrated Spanish partisan general, hanged at Corunna. He distinguished himself at the battle of Trafalgar, and rendered the king important services in the war with the French.
1826.Levin Augustus Benningsen, a German military officer of great abilities, died. He entered the Russian service, and was in several important campaigns against the French.
1838.Blackhawk(Muck-ker-ta-me-scheck-ker-kirk), a celebrated Indian chief and warrior, died at his camp on the river Des Moines.
1843.Lewis F. Linn, senator of the United States from Missouri, died at St. Genevieve.
1848. The emperor of Austria dissolved the Hungarian diet, proclaimed martial law for that province, and appointed the Ban Jellachich to the supreme government.
1852. A severe gale swept over the Atlantic ocean and English channel, causing a great destruction of property and loss of life.
1853.James Talmadgedied in New York, aged 75. He was lieutenant-governor of New York in 1824, and devoted the last twenty years of his life to the American institute as its president.
1855.Robert Adair, a British ambassador to various courts of Europe, died at London, aged 92.
633.Edwin(the Great), king of Britain, killed at Hatfield. He wielded the sovereignty 17 years, during which thecumulusof heathenism began to break up in large masses.
1226.Francis, of Assisi, died; founder of the order of Franciscans, or gray friars.
1253.Robert Grosseteste, an English prelate, died. He wrote several voluminous works, possessed great learning, and a clear and vigorous intellect.
1434.Cosmo de Medicireentered Florence from exile, and was received with the most extravagant demonstrations of public joy, and became, in fact, the prince of the state, accumulated enormous wealth, and lived in regal magnificence.
1489.John Wesselius, a Dutch ecclesiastic, died. His learning and abilities were so great, that the pope sent for him to Rome, and offered him what he should ask for. He merely requested a Greek and Hebrew Bible in the Vatican.
1535. Was published the first edition of theWhole Biblein the English language, being the translation of Miles Coverdale.
1590.James Cujacius, an eminent French lawyer, died. He rose from obscurity, and by his indefatigable industry, without the assistance of a master, perfected himself in Greek and Latin literature, and particularly in civil law. His works were published at Paris, in 10 vols. folio.
1595.John Maitland, lord Thirlstane, an eminent statesman under James VI of Scotland, died.
1609.Henry Hudson, having explored the river to where it divided itself into several branches, returned to its mouth on this day—put to sea with all sails set, to report the tidings of his valuable discovery.
1660.Francis Albano, an eminent Italian painter, died at Bologna, aged 82. He particularly excelled in expressing the delineations of female and infantine beauty; his pieces are dispersed in the cabinets of Europe, and highly esteemed.
1691.Louis Abellydied; a French ecclesiastic, who devoted himself principally to literature, and left numerous works behind him.
1692.Charles Fleetwood, lord deputy under Cromwell, died, aged 74. He married the widow of the gloomy Ireton; hesitating to declare at once for the king, he was allowed to end his days in obscurity.
1693. Battle near Marseilles, in France, between the French under Catinat, and the allies under Victor Amadeus and Eugene of Savoy. The allies were defeated, with the loss of all their artillery, and 8,000 men; the duke of Schomberg was mortally wounded.
1704.Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish mariner, put ashore on the desert island of Juan Fernandez, by orders of captain Pradling, with whom he had a quarrel. He was allowed a fowling piece and ammunition, and a very few necessaries. In this desolate situation he continued three years, subsisting on goats, fish and fruits.
1743.John Baptist du Halde, a learned French Jesuit, died. He is the author of a description of China and Tartary, a valuable work, compiled from the curious and interesting observations of the missionaries of his fraternity.
1744.Henry Carey, an English dramatic poet, and music composer, died by suicide. Besides his poems, he wroteChrononhotonthologos, to ridicule the style of tragedy then in vogue, and produced theDragon of Wantley, as a burlesque on Italian opera.
1777. Battle of Germantown, in which the Americans were defeated, with the loss of 200 killed, 600 wounded, and 400 taken. British loss, killed and wounded, 600. The disastrous termination of this affair, was owing to the darkness of theday, which embarrassed the operations of the Americans.
1780. The ships Resolution and Discovery, the circumnavigating ships which sailed under Cook and Clerke, returned, but without either of their original commanders. Both were dead.
1790.Ann Lettsdied, at South river, N. J., aged 107.
1794. Battle of Maciejowice, in Poland; the forces under Kosciusko overthrown.
1795. The Parisians attacked the national convention, on account of the re-election of two-thirds of the members of that body. They were repulsed by the troops under Bonaparte, who now first signalized himself. About 8,000 of the citizens were killed.
1799. Brunnen, in Switzerland, taken from the French by the Russians under Suwarrow. This affair, however, terminated the progress of the invaders.
1806.Samuel Horsley, a learned English prelate, died. He engaged in a sectarian controversy with Priestley.
1812. Ogdensburgh attacked by the British, who were repulsed.
1812. American entrenched camp of Col. Newman attacked by the Indians, who were repulsed, with the loss of 30 warriors, among them three principal chiefs and their young king.
1813. American generalHarrisonattacked by the Indians, at Chatham, whom he repulsed, and pursued four miles. He took on this occasion 2,000 stand of arms, a quantity of clothing, and several cannon; also three vessels laden with munitions.
1814.Samuel Jackson Pratt, a once popular English novelist and miscellaneous writer, died.
1815.Christopher Philip Oberkampfdied; founder of the manufactory of printed linens at Jouy, and of the cotton manufacture of Essonne, in France. He commenced a small business under great disadvantages, and in a short time collected a population of 1500 in a spot which had been almost a desert. His manufactures became of so much importance to the country, that the king granted him letters of nobility, and a statue was decreed him by the council-general, a mark of generosity which he declined.
1821.John Renniedied; a celebrated Scottish civil engineer and mechanist. The canals, bridges, and other public works in England, attest his abilities.
1830.York, count von Wartenburg, a Prussian field-marshal, died. He was one of the most distinguished generals in the wars against Napoleon.
1830. The independence of Belgium declared by the central committee at Brussels: "The provinces of Belgium, violently separated from Holland, shall constitute an independent state."
1833.Richard Heberdied; an Englishman of talents and learning, distinguished for his zeal in collecting books, a business which he followed assiduously during the last thirty years of his life. He left immense collections of rare and valuable works in various languages, in various cities in Europe.
1835. Third centenary, or three hundredth year from the printing of the first English Bible, that of Coverdale, generally celebrated in the different churches and chapels in England. This Bible, as appears from the colophon, was finished on this day, 1535.
1835.Telesforo de Truebe y Cosia, a Spanish dramatist, died at Paris, aged 30. He resided principally in England, where he produced several dramas and novels. He wrote dramas in English, Spanish, and French, which were successfully produced at the several national theatres.
1851.Emanuel Godoy(Prince of Peace), minister of Charles VI and VII of Spain, died at Paris, in the 87th year of his age.
1853. The Great Republic, a mammoth clipper of 4000 tons, and the largest merchant vessel in the world, was launched at East Boston, Mass.
1854. The greater part of the town of Memel, a Prussian seaport, was destroyed by fire, including its churches, custom-house, bank, and court-houses; loss estimated at $5,000,000.
678.Justin II, emperor of the east, died. He was a weak prince, but had a wife to govern him and the empire with ability.
610.Phocas, a Chalcedonian noble who seized on the empire of the east by the murder of the emperor Maurice and his children, beheaded by Heraclius, governor of Africa, who conspired against him.
1056.Henry III, emperor of Germany, died. After making war against Poland, Hungary and Bohemia, he passed into Italy, expelled three popes, and was crowned by a fourth.
1540.Elias Eobanusdied; an elegant German scholar and good poet.
1555.Edward Watton, an English physician, died. He took his decree at Padua and practiced with great success in London. He is said to have been the first who paid particular attention to natural history.
1571.Claude d'Espence, an eloquent French ecclesiastic, died.
1582. The Gregorian, ornew style,commenced in Spain, Portugal and part of Italy, this day being accounted the 15th.
1675. Springfield, Mass., attacked by the Indians. The Springfield Indians had so resolutely resisted the persuasions of Philip to join his exterminating expeditions, that the inhabitants felt the greatest security. They were not aware of any defection, till news was received from Windsor that 300 of Philip's Indians were concealed in their fort. The timely arrival of forces from the neighboring towns alone saved the village from entire destruction.
1690. SirWilliam Phippsarrived before Quebec with a British force. He summoned the place on the following day, but the French governor, count Frontenac, refused to surrender; the fleet being dispersed in a storm, the expedition failed in consequence.
1710. An expedition of British and provincials appeared before Port Royal, in Canada, with 5 frigates and a bomb ketch. The force being equal to its reduction, Subcrease, the French governor, only waited the compliment of a few shot and shells as a decent pretence for surrender, when the place fell into new hands, and was called Annapolis in honor of the queen.
1733.Zenger's Weekly Journal(2d paper at New York), was issued.
1740.John Philip Baratier, a German youth of most extraordinary genius, died at the age of 20. At the age of 4, besides his native language, he spoke French and Latin; at 6 Greek; at 8 Hebrew. He acquired also various branches of learning, and prepared a large work on Egyptian antiquities.
1759. Battle of St. Francis, an Indian village on the St. Lawrence, in lower Canada. Innumerable expeditions had been fitted out from this place to massacre and plunder the English settlements in New England, and the village was enriched by the scalps taken at those times. Major Rogers, an intrepid soldier, with 200 rangers, was despatched by general Amherst from Crown point to destroy the place. After a fatiguing march of twenty-one days he came upon the village when the savages were holding a dance, and made a grand assault at break of day, after their own manner. The Indians were taken so unexpectedly that little resistance could be made.
1763.Augustus III, king of Poland, died.
1768. Great hurricane at Havana, destroyed 96 public edifices, and 4,048 houses; 1,000 inhabitants perished almost instantaneously.
1789. The estates general of France met at Versailles. This was indisputably the first day of the revolution, although the object of the meeting was to prevent such a catastrophe.
1803. The Constitution and Nautilus anchored in the bay of Tangiers, within half a mile of the circular battery, and amused the emperor of Morocco with the sound of their guns. This procured the release of the American consul, who had been confined to his house, guarded by two sentinels; and also the discharge of the American brig Hannah, of Salem, which had been wrongfully seized at Mogadore.
1804. A British squadron under Com. Moore attacked and captured Spanish ships La Medee 42 guns, La Fama 36 guns, and La Clara 36 guns; a frigate of 36 guns, La Marcedes, blew up, on board of which were several families returning to Spain, 280 men, and $811,000. On board the captured ships were found, besides a very valuable cargo of merchandise, 2,538,885 dollars, 3,593 bars tin, and 774 pigs copper.
1805.Charles Cornwallis, governor-general of India, died. Although overthrown at Yorktown, his character for courage, prudence and sagacity was unaffected, and he was afterwards sent as civil and military governor to Ireland.
1813. Battle of the Thames; the combined British and Indian forces under Proctor and Tecumseh, defeated by the Americans under general Harrison. On this occasion the celebrated Tecumseh was slain, as was believed in a personal rencounter with colonel R. M. Johnson; the latter received five wounds in this battle. American loss 7 killed, 22 wounded.
1813. Action on lake Ontario between the American fleet under commodore Chauncey, and the British squadron; five schooners of the latter were captured, and one sloop burnt.
1821.Claudius John Rich, a learned English orientalist, died at Shiraz, in Persia, a victim to his ardor in the pursuit of science. He wroteMemoirs of Ancient Babylon, whose ruins he explored with indefatigable industry. His manuscripts, coins and gems were purchased by government, and are deposited in the British Museum.
1825.Bernard Germain Stephen de Lacepede, a French naturalist, died. He was unmolested during the reign of terror, and Bonaparte heaped honors upon him. He holds a high station among modern naturalists.
1835.Hortense Eugenie, duchess of St. Leu and ex-queen of Holland, died. She was the daughter of Josephine by her first husband, and married Louis Bonaparte.
1839. Destructive fire in Philadelphia,destroyed 52 buildings; said to have been the greatest fire ever known in Philadelphia.
1839. A fire at Aikin, S. C., destroyed 36 houses and stores, forming the whole business portion of the village.
1847. The first election of officers in Liberia, under the new constitution, took place. Gov. Roberts was chosen president of the republic.
1853.Mahlon Dickerson, a New Jersey statesman, died, aged 83. He filled a great variety of public offices with distinguished ability.
1855.William Henry Percy, a British rear admiral, died at London, aged 67.
1855.Thomas Livingston Mitchell, surveyor-general of New South Wales, died, aged 63. He surveyed the battle fields of the Peninsular war, in which he served, and was knighted in 1839 for his discoveries and surveys.
1855. Two asteroids, being the 36th and 37th, were discovered, one by Luther, at Bilk, the other by Goldsmith, in Prussia.