1748. The British under admiral Boscawen raised the siege of Pondicherry, in Hindostan, after a loss by battle and sickness of 1,065. Loss of the French garrison 200, and 50 sepoys.
1761. William Pitt, the British statesman, having resigned the ministry, a pension of £3,000 was settled upon him for three lives, and the title of baroness of Chatham conferred upon his wife.
1762. The British under admiral Cornish and general Draper, took Manilla, the capital of the Philippine islands, by storm. Several ships and a large quantity of military stores fell into their hands. The town was ransomed by four millions of dollars.
1767. Francis Wise, an English divine and antiquary, died. His researches led to the publication of several learned works.
1777. The British under sir Henry Clinton, about 3,000 men, attacked and carried forts Clinton and Montgomery, defended by governor Clinton. The post having been designed principally to prevent the passing of ships, the works on the land side were incomplete and untenable, and were carried by the bayonet. Most of the garrison effected their escape, with the loss of 300; British lost about an equal number. Count Grabouski, a Polish nobleman in the American service, was killed.
1778. William Worthington died; an English prelate and theological writer of merit.
1780. Henry Laurens, who had been taken on his passage from America to Holland, was committed to the tower of London for high treason. He was afterwards liberated.
1783. Treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States proclaimed.
1789. Lafayette preserved the royal family from the popular excitement. The king was then conducted to Paris, where he accepted the "declaration of the rights of man."
1794. British, general Graham, surrendered Guadaloupe by capitulation to the French.