1752. Joseph Butler, an eminent prelate and theological writer, died. He is celebrated as the author of the Analogy of Religion.
1755. Fort Beausejour, in Nova Scotia, surrendered to the British, the French garrison being permitted to march out with the honors of war.
1760. At Glen, in Leicestershire, England, the populace threw two old women into the water to try by their sinking or swimming whether or not they were witches.
1772. The banking house of Neal and Fordyce, in London, failed, and it was counted an extraordinary feat to carry the intelligence to Edinburgh, a distance of 425 miles, in 43 hours.
1777. John Baptist Louis Gresset, a celebrated French poet, died. His poems were elegant, lively and interesting, and obtained for him, among other honors, letters of nobility.
1779. Manifesto presented to the British court, announcing that Spain had taken decided part with France and America against Great Britain.
1789. The states general of France formed themselves into the national assembly.
1793. Unsuccessful attack of the British on Martinique.
1794. Battle of Josselies; the hereditary prince of Orange attacked and defeated the French, who lost 7000 men and 22 cannon, and were compelled to retreat across the Sambre.
1806. Total eclipse of the sun at Philadelphia and other cities in the United States.