ordered to be sent immediately the romance of the History of England.
1594. Thomas Cooper, an English prelate, died; highly commended for his great learning and eloquence.
1643. Ferdinando, lord Fairfax, the father of the famous General Fairfax, defeated at Bramham moor, by the earl of Newcastle.
1649. Dockier, a prominent leader of the Levelers, in the times of the English commonwealth, was shot by order of the government.
1652. A great eclipse of the sun in England. The almanacs of the day did not let so favorable an opportunity escape for exercising their power over the ignorant, and accordingly their prognostics created such a terror among the inhabitants "and so exceedingly alarmed the whole nation," says Evelyn, "that hardly any one would work, nor stir out of their houses. So ridiculously were they abused by ignorant and knavish star-gazers."
1659. John Cleveland, an English poet, died. He was contemporary with Milton, and preferred before him by critics of the day, but has now sunk into oblivion.
1676. Michael Adrian de Ruyter, the famous Dutch admiral, died. He began his military career at the age of 11, and continued in the service nearly 60 years.
1685. Luc d'Acheri, a French ecclesiastic, died. He displayed great learning as an antiquary and an author.
1688. Frederick William, elector of Brandenburg, died. Posterity awards to him the character of a brave, generous and patriotic prince, who devoted his attention to the commerce and general welfare of his people.
1735. The Turks defeated by the Persians under Thomas Kouli Khan, 60,000 slain.