1711. Richard Chiswell, a noted English printer and an extensive publisher, died.
1733. Richard Cox, lord chancellor of Ireland, died. He published a history of that kingdom.
1747. Naval battle between the English fleet under Anson and Warren, and the French fleet under M. de la Jonquiere, which was convoying six East India ships and a number of transports and merchantmen to Canada. After a regular and well fought battle, the French struck their colors. The loss of the French killed and wounded was 700; that of the British 500. The trophies of the victory were six men of war and all of their East India ships, and between four and five thousand prisoners. The treasure taken on board these vessels was afterwards conveyed to the bank of England in 20 wagons. The French loss by this defeat was estimated at one million and a half.
1759. A young woman in England who had laid a considerable wager that she could ride 1000 miles in 1000 hours, finished her match in a little more than two-thirds of that time. At her coming in the country people strewed flowers in her way.
1763. George Psalmanazar, a literary impostor, died. He was a native of France, and obtained a thorough education. After various adventures he arrived at London under the character of a Japanese converted to Christianity, was patronized by the great, and undertook to translate the catechism into Japanese, and wrote a history of the country. Some absurdities were detected, when he confessed himself an impostor, and afterwards subsisted by turning his pen to better employment.
1765. Sujah ul Dowlah defeated at Calpy, in India, by the British.
1776. Sir Peter Parker's squadron of 20 sail arrived at Cape Fear river, with lord Cornwallis.
1784. Anthony Banezet, a philanthropist of Philadelphia, died. He was a native of France, and early engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he abandoned to devote his attention to objects of benevolence and philanthropy, in which he continued during a long life.
1793. Battle of Famars, in which the allies drove the French from their camp with great loss.
1794. James William Thouret guillotined; he was president of the national assembly when Louis XVI accepted the constitution of 1791.