MARCH 12.
1470. Battle of Erpingham, in England, and defeat of the rebels under Sir Robert Welles.
1507. Cæsar Borgia killed by a cannon shot before the castle of Biano. He was the natural son of Pope Alexander VI, and by him invested with the purple. He was a man of such conduct and character that Machiavel has thought fit to propose him, in his famous book, called The Prince, as a pattern to all princes who would act the part of wise and polite tyrants. He allowed no one to stand in his way to promotion from any scruples to removing them by the foulest means.
1578. Alexander Piccolomini died; author of dramatic and other pieces. He was the first who used the Italian language in philosophical subjects.
1581. William Fulke preached a sermon within the tower of London in the hearing of such obstinate papists as were there imprisoned.
1612. The third charter of Virginia granted, by which new privileges and immunities were given for the encouragement of the colony.
1664. Charles II, of England, granted to his brother the duke of York, all Mattawacks, now Long Island; all Hudson's river, and all the lands from the west side of Connecticut river to the east side of Delaware bay, together with the royalties and rights of government.
1676. Action between the French fleet under Duquesne, and the Spanish and Dutch fleets under De Ruyter, who was mortally wounded.
1682. Chelsea hospital, England, founded.
1683. The first assembly of Pennsylvania was holden at Philadelphia, two years from the time that Penn obtained the charter.