1844. William Campbell died at Cherry Valley, N. Y., aged 77. He was the only member of his family that escaped death or captivity at the massacre of Cherry Valley in 1778. He lived to fill many important stations with fidelity and ability.
1846. Randolph Ridgely, an officer in the Mexican war, was killed by a fall from his horse. He had greatly distinguished himself at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.
1851. William Wyon, a celebrated British medalist and die sinker, died at Brighton, aged 57. He belonged to a family of German descent, who wrought the great seals of England, Scotland and Ireland.
1853. Captain J. W. Gunnison, of the corps of topographical engineers, with seven other members of the party of exploration, while attempting to survey the lakes in Utah territory, were massacred by the Indians.
OCTOBER 28.
312. Battle of Saxa Rubra, and overthrow of the tyrant Maxentius, by Constantine. The whole race of Maxentius was extirpated, and the prætorian guards abolished at Rome.
900. Alfred (the Great), king of England, died, aged 51, in the 28th year of his reign. To him is ascribed the mode of trial by jury.
1216. The crown and other regalia of England being lost, Henry III was crowned with a plain circle of gold on his temples.
1485. Rodolphus Agricola, a Dutch author, died. He was one of the most learned men of his age.
1541. Great storm accompanied by an earthquake, at Algiers, which destroyed 86 Spanish ships and 15 galleys with their crews, belonging to a powerful fleet fitted out for the reduction of that place by the emperor Charles V. He was compelled to raise the siege and return to his own dominions.