1609. Ferdinand I, grand duke of Tuscany, died. He was eminent for the wisdom and energy of his government.
1630. The first day of public thanksgiving in Massachusetts. The day had been appointed, for a general fast. No ship had arrived in a great length of time, and their stock of provisions was nearly exhausted. At this critical moment a vessel arrived from England laden with provisions; and they immediately changed the day of public fasting into one of public feasting. And it is quite probable that the day was observed with something more than an outward show of thanksgiving on that occasion.
1644. Charles I, having summoned a royal parliament, they met this day at Oxford to the number of 44 lords and 118 commoners; the session was opened with a speech from the king.
1674. Jean Chapelain, died. He attracted the notice of Cardinal Richelieu by a preface which he wrote for the Adonis of Marini. Chapelain was talented and learned, obsequious and discreet, and these made his fortune, for he could be of service to the cardinal, who had the weakness to set up for a bel esprit. He became one of the first members of the Academie Francaise, received a large pension, and became the oracle of the poets of the time, and was universally esteemed. It would have been better if he himself had not set up for a poet. In 1630 he commenced an epic, La Pucelle. It was announced twenty years before its appearance, and the public expectation was greatly disappointed; it soon became an object of ridicule.
1717. Great snow in New England; 6 feet deep in Boston. It commenced on the 20th, on which day Dr. Brattle was buried, and many who attended his funeral were unable to get home for several days.
1731. Frederick Ruysch, an eminent Dutch anatomist, died.
1732. Birthday of George Washington. He was the third son of Augustus Washington, and was born at Bridges Creek, Va.
1744. Partial action off Toulon between the combined French and Spanish fleets under M. De Court, and the British fleet under admirals Matthews and Rowley. The Poder, a Spanish 60 gun ship, was burnt. British loss 92 killed, 185 wounded.
1746. William Couston, director of the French academy of painting and sculpture, died.
1766. British stamp act repealed.