1711. Engagement between the British ship Lion, 60 guns, Capt. Walpole, and 4 French ships, in which the latter were beaten off. Walpole had his right arm shot off; and it may be mentioned that Lord Nelson had the same sword in his hand when his right arm was shot off, 1797.
1719. A Spanish fleet under the duke of Ormond, intended for the invasion of England in favor of the pretender, was dispersed by a storm.
1726. John Vanbrugh, an English dramatist and architect, died. He was knighted by Queen Anne, and held several lucrative offices; but a want of economy in the management of his income kept him in indigence, and his dramas were produced in rapid succession to retrieve his credit.
Few of his pieces, although popular at the time, still keep the stage.
1729. Robert Moss, a popular London preacher, died. His sermons have been published in 8 vols.; and he is the author of some poems, and small tracts.
1730. The landgrave of Hesse Cassel, father of the king of Sweden, died. The Swedish monarch was declared successor.
1756. Gilbert West, an English poet, died. He was a man of polished manners and great erudition.
1772. Charles Dineau Duclos, historiographer of France, died. He was also a distinguished member of the French academy, and was engaged in the Dictionary and History of the Society.
1784. Thomas Bond, a distinguished American physician, died. After spending considerable time in preparatory study at Paris, he returned and commenced practice in Philadelphia, where he acquired a great reputation in his profession, and as a man of letters.
1794. Congress passed an embargo law.