1719. Joseph Addison, editor of the Spectator, died. He was the ornament of his age and country, and his writings will long continue to be read and admired.
1734. Louis Hector Villars, peer of France, died, aged 82. He early adopted the profession of arms, and distinguished himself through a long life as a brave and efficient officer.
1740. William Wyndham, an eminent English statesman, died. His abilities led to his promotion to the highest offices in the state.
1745. Louisbourg, cape Breton, taken from the French by the British and Massachusetts forces, under governor Shirley and admiral sir Peter Warren.
1761. The first English "navigation canal" opened, extending from Worsley to Manchester, 18 miles. It originated with Scroope, duke of Bridgewater.
1775. Battle of Bunker's hill, and burning of Charlestown by the British. The Americans were defeated with the loss of 453 killed, wounded and missing. The killed, and those who died of their wounds were 139, including general Warren. British loss, 1,054, of whom 226 were killed, and among them colonel Abercromby and major Pitcairn, who occasioned the first shedding of blood at Lexington.
1776. British transports, George and Arabella, captured in Boston bay by six American privateers. Among the prisoners taken was the honorable Archibald Campbell, and 271 Highlanders.
1780. Bank opened in Philadelphia for supplying the army with provisions, and £189,000 subscribed, payable in gold and silver.
1788. Convention at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., to consider the federal constitution.
1789. The tiers etat, of France, were joined by the whole body of inferior clergy with some nobles. They constituted