1739. Charles Jervas, an English painter, died. He is immortalized more by Pope's panegyric than by his own pictures.
1741. Behring wrecked on the island which bears his name.
1760. Battle of Torgau; the Austrians under Daun defeated by Frederick II of Prussia, with the loss of 20,000 men, 8,000 of whom were taken. Prussian loss 13,000.
1762. The remarkable peace between England and France was signed at Fontainebleau.
1771. First newspaper printed in Albany, N. Y.
1771. An attempt was made by count Pulaski and some other Polish nobleman to carry off Stanislaus Augustus, the king. They took him prisoner, but after wandering about all night, in the morning they found themselves near where they set out, and were obliged to liberate their captive.
1774. Gloucester Ridley, an eminent English divine, died. He commenced life as an actor.
1775. St. Johns surrendered to the Americans. General Carleton in attempting to cross the St. Lawrence with 800 men, was attacked by 300 Green Mountain boys under colonel Warren and compelled to retire; which induced the garrison to capitulate. They found 17 brass and 22 iron cannons, 2 howitzers, 7 mortars, 800 stand of arms, &c.
1775. Valentine Jaimerai Duval, an extraordinary French character, died. He at first gained his subsistence by watching poultry and sheep; but by perseverance and labor he obtained books and maps, became one of the most learned men of his time, and enjoyed the patronage of princes and the notice of the learned.
1787. Robert Lowth, an eminent English bishop, died; known by his translation of Isaiah, "the sublimest poetry in the world."