1709. Sir Edward Seymour died. He had been a member of every parliament since 1661.
1710. Philip Verheyen, a medical author, died at Louvain, in Belgium, where he was professor of anatomy.
1712. Louis, duke of Burgundy, died, aged 30. He was educated under Fenelon, and as heir to the throne and counsellor of state, France expected to enjoy a long rest from her troubles, under this administration. He died suddenly of a disease which had taken away his wife and eldest son only a few days before.
1719. George Henry Goertz, a Swedish statesman, beheaded. He joined Charles XII on his return from Turkey, and was placed at the head of affairs. The desperate state of Sweden gave full employment to his extraordinary talents; but on the fall of the king he was sacrificed to the hatred of the nobility and condemned without a trial.
1724. George Wheeler, an English traveler and antiquary died. He visited Greece and Asia, for the purpose of copying inscriptions and to describe antiquities, in company with Dr. Spon, an account of which was published in 6 vols. folio. The work is highly valued for its authenticity and antiquities.
1730. Charles Beckingham, an English dramatic writer, died. His pieces were received with much applause.
1750. George Bernard Bilfinger, professor of philosophy at Petersburg, and afterwards at Tubingen, died at Stutgard. He was eminent as an author.
1758. Joseph Isaac Berruyer, a French Jesuit, died; author of some theological works.
1772. John Hartwig Ernst, count Bernstorff, died at Hamburg. He settled in Denmark, where he became prime minister, and in this office devoted the whole energies of his powerful mind to the improvement of his adopted country. He set the example of manumitting the peasantry, who were in a state of bondage and gave the fourth part of his income to the poor. He is represented as a model of intelligence, wisdom and benevolence.
1777. Col. Nielson of New Jersey, with a party of American militia, defeated the British Major Stockton, killed 4 and took him and 59 of his men prisoners.