1851. Joanna Baillie, the Scottish poetress, died, aged 89. She was born at Bothwell, near the Clyde, and lived in seclusion with her maiden sister.
1854. The steamer from Stonington arrived at New York, having been detained in the sound by ice during three days.
1856. A freshet commenced in the Ohio, which caused great destruction of property, among which were several steam boats.
FEBRUARY 24.
303. Diocletian issued the first general edict of persecution against the Christians, by which all their religious edifices in the empire were to be leveled to their foundations, and the church property confiscated and sold to the highest bidder. This abominable decree was instantly torn from its column by a Christian of rank, who for his audacity was burnt or rather roasted, by a slow fire.
1383. John Wickliffe presented seven articles to parliament containing his doctrines.
1468. John Gutenberg, the inventor of printing, died. In connection with Faust he contributed greatly to the improvement of the art, then in a very rude state.
1495. Jem, son of Bayazid I the Osman sultan, died. He was defeated by his brother in a contest for the throne, and took refuge with the knights of St. John at Rhodes, who sent him to France, where he was kept in confinement several years, and then delivered up to the pope, Alexander VI, by whom he was poisoned.
1525. Battle of Pavia in Italy. The imperialists under Bourbon, Pescara and Lannoy defeated the French and captured their king, Francis I, whom they sent prisoner to Madrid. The king fought with heroic valor, killing 7 men with his own hand.
1540. Charles V of Germany entered Ghent, which had been in a state of insurrection; 26 of the principal citizens were put to death. He was born at this place on this day 1500.