1776. British overran New Jersey.
1780. Ignatius Sancho, an African author, died at London, aged 51. He was born on board of a slave ship. His Letters possess great originality. (15?)
1781. Gen. Greene informed the board of war that he had been unable to advance on the British for ten days for want of ammunition; that he had not paper with which to make returns, no camp kettles, &c.; that he lay within a few miles of the enemy and had not six rounds per man; that he had been seven months in the field without taking off his clothes one night.
1782. British under Gen. Leslie evacuated Charleston, S. C., and embarked under cover of the king's ship Caroline. The
Americans under Gen. Wayne took immediate possession of it.
1785. John Baptist Cypriani, a famous Italian painter, died. He settled in England, but his numerous pieces were spread over Europe by the graver of Bartolozzi.
1789. Caleb Elliott died of starvation. He was a visionary enthusiast who imagined that he was called upon to fast 40 days, and actually lived 16 days without food of any kind, having refused all sorts of sustenance.
1792. Arthur Lee, an American statesman, died. He was an ardent friend of the rights of the colonies, which he rendered essential services as agent at London, and afterwards as minister with Franklin in France. He is represented as a man of uniform patriotism, sound understanding, great probity, plain manners and strong passions.
1796. Anthony Wayne, commander-in-chief of the United States troops, died at Presque isle, aged 51. He distinguished himself in the wars of the revolution by his bravery and untiring patriotism.
1797. Great earthquake at Cumana; more than four-fifths of the city was entirely destroyed, and a number of persons perished.