1837. John Latham, an eminent English naturalist and ornithologist, died, aged 97. He was one of the founders of the Linnean society, and commenced the publication of his last work at the age of 82.
1844. Henry Kifer, a soldier of the revolution, died at North Woodbury, Pa., aged 110½ years.
1856. Caroline Lee Hentz, a well known American novelist, died.
FEBRUARY 12.
590. Pelagius II, pope of Rome, died. In his time a plague raged at Rome of so strange a nature, that persons seized with it died sneezing and gaping.
1401. William Sawtry, a Lollard, condemned and burned to death at London for heresy.
1448. A general poll tax of 6d. with 6s. 8d. on every merchant stranger, and 20d. on their clerks, granted by parliament to Henry VI.
1542. Catharine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII, beheaded. The execution of this ungrateful woman excited no commiseration, as she had been the principal instrument in the accusations against Anne Boleyn, her predecessor.
1554. Jane Grey beheaded, at the age of 17. She was the daughter of Mary, youngest sister of Henry VIII, and a woman of uncommon beauty, talents and learning, for her years, to which she added great amiability of disposition, and fortitude of mind. Her disastrous fate created an extraordinary interest in her favor, which has continued unabated. "Good Christian people, you come here to see me die; not for any thing I have offended, for I will deliver to my God a soul as pure from trespass, as innocence from injustice."
1589. Blanche Perry died, chief gentlewoman to Queen Elizabeth, and a great lover of antiquities, besides a very tasteful writer.