1660. Mary Dyer executed. She was a quakeress, who had been banished from Massachusetts, and on her return was sentenced to death for "rebellious sedition and obtruding herself after banishment on pain of death."
1666. Great naval action between the Dutch under de Ruyter and Tromp, and English prince, Rupert, which continued four days with great fury, and the victory was claimed by both parties.
1679. Graham of Claverhouse defeated by the Scottish covenanters at Drumclog, Scotland.
1740. Samuel Werenfels, a Swiss professor and author, died; respected for his learning and many virtues.
1743. Robert le Lorraine, a celebrated French sculptor, died.
1764. The French carried off all the inhabitants of Turk's island, in the West Indies, with 9 English vessels.
1769. Edward Holyoke, president of Harvard college, died; an excellent mathematician and natural philosopher.
1774. Boston port bill went into operation. Business closed at noon, and the harbor was shut against all vessels. The citizens, on a short notice of 20 days, were deprived of the means of gaining a subsistence. Contributions were raised in other cities for their relief, and the inhabitants of Marblehead offered the merchants the use of their wharves. Universal indignation spread through the colonies against this high handed measure of the British king and parliament.
1780. American privateer Pickering, 16 guns, Capt. Harridon, captured British ship, Golden Eagle, 22 guns.
1783. Charles Byrne, the Irish giant, died. His height was 8 feet 2 inches. (See [May 13, 1781], Roger Byrne).