1747. John Peter de Mendajors, a French historian, died. He wrote a history of Gaul.
1751. Henry Saint John, viscount Bolingbroke, a celebrated English politician and philosopher, died, aged 80. A panegyrist has observed that in his writings he united the wisdom of Socrates, the dignity and ease of Pliny, and the wit of Horace.
1761. John Sauve de la Noue, a French actor and dramatic writer, died. It was on his account that Voltaire wrote the Princess of Navarre, that he might act the chief character.
1763. The British parliament by a vote 273 to 111, resolved that the North Briton, a paper conducted by the noted Wilkes, was a scandalous and seditious libel, and ordered it to be burned by the common hangman. Great riot in consequence.
1777. Fort Mifflin evacuated by the Americans, after a most noble and gallant defence. The British fired 1,030 cannon shot at the fort during the day.
1787. Christopher Gluck, an eminent German musical composer, died. He introduced a new style of music into Paris.
1793. John Nicholas Houchard guillotined at Paris. He raised himself to the highest rank in the army, and displayed his abilities in several important victories.
1793. Jean Marie Baptiste Roland de la Platiere stabbed himself to the heart on receiving news that his wife had been guillotined. His knowledge of commerce and political economy led to his appointment of minister under Louis, and under the republic.
1793. Fort Lewis taken by the Austrians under Wurmzer, and 4,000 French and 112 cannons captured.
1794. John Witherspoon, a signer of the declaration, died. He was a Scotchman, who came over to take the presidency of Nassau Hall. His influence upon literature was greatly beneficial, and his talents as a preacher of the most popular kind.