1852. Daniel Webster, the greatest of American orators, died at Marshfield, aged 70. As a statesman, in the most complete meaning of the term, few Americans have ever equaled and none surpassed him.
1854. Pierre Soule, the United States minister to Spain, on landing at Calais from England, en route for Spain, was stopped by the French police, and returned to London.
1855. Robert H. Morris, a distinguished New York politician, died at Astoria, aged 51.
1855. James Oliver Van de Velde, second bishop of Natchez, died, aged 63. He was a Belgian, who early united with the Jesuits, and was sent to America. He was sometime president of the catholic college at St. Louis, and afterward bishop of Chicago. He was held in very high estimation by all denominations.
OCTOBER 25.
322 B. C. Demosthenes, the Athenian orator, died at the isle of Calauria, as is supposed by poison, to save himself from falling into the hands of his enemies alive.
1154. Stephen, king of England, died. He usurped the throne, which belonged to Matilda, wife of Henry IV, of Germany, whose son Henry II, succeeded him.
1400. Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English poetry, died.
1415. Battle of Agincourt, in France; the English army had been reduced by disease and sword from 30,000 to 15,000, when on ascending the heights of Blangi they saw the French army of 50,000 men drawn up to oppose their progress. There was no alternative but to give battle, which resulted in the defeat of the French, who
lost 10,000 killed, and 14,000 taken prisoners; while the loss of the English was but 40 men.