1817. American colonization society formed at Washington, having for its object the returning of free people of color to Africa.
1818. Alexander, emperor of Russia, gave to his peasant subjects the same right with his nobles to establish manufactures.
1825. J. D. Barbie-du-Bocage, a French geographer, died. He furnished plans and maps for the most celebrated works of the day, and published an atlas of 54 sheets to illustrate ancient history.
1825. John Thomas Serres, a French artist, died. His sea pieces possess much merit, and he is besides the author of the Little Sea Torch, a guide for coasting pilots.
1831. Insurrection of the slaves in Jamaica, in the course of which about 30,000 blacks were under arms, 4,000 of whom were killed. The amount of property destroyed was estimated at $15,000,000.
1835. Battle of Tampa bay; a company of 110 United States troops under major Dade, attacked by a large party of Seminole Indians, and all but three slain.
1853. A great snow storm commenced, which continued 36 hours, extending over the new England states, and causing great interruption to business and travel.
DECEMBER 29.
1170. Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, assassinated in his cathedral, aged 53.
1563. Sebastian Castalio, a French writer, died. His writings are very considerable, both for their number and quality, discover great knowledge of the languages, and are chiefly on scripture subjects.