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 Eobanus died; 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, or new 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. Sir William Phipps arrived 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.