1530. Charles V made a public entry into Augsburg, where the members of the diet had assembled. The famous decree, called the Confession of Augsburg, drawn up by Melancthon, was then read.
1560. The massy spire of St. Paul's church, London, was burned down by lightning.
1568. Giles Corrozet died at Paris; a French bookseller, and author of several works of merit.
1643. Abel Jansen Tasman, the Dutch
navigator, arrived at Batavia, after having sailed round the southern side of the globe. He started in September, 1642, and discovered Van Dieman's land and the island of New Zealand, which he called Staten island.
1735. Rene Aubert de Vertot d'Aubœuf, an elegant French historical writer, died, aged 80. He united the virtues of private life to great intelligence, deep penetration, and an elegant taste.
1744. Anson arrived at Spithead, after a voyage of three years and nine months round the world. The treasures of the famous Acapulco galleon were conveyed to London in 32 wagons, and the booty divided among those brave men who had shared his glory and toils.
1746. Battle of Placentia, between the allies and Spaniards.
1749. The fleet of sir Edward Cornwallis, having on board over 3000 British colonists, dropped anchor in the spacious harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
1756. The nabob of Surajah Dowla invested Calcutta at the head of 70,000 horse and foot, and 400 elephants.