1783. The volcano of Skaptar Jokul, in Iceland, which had recently become very active, poured out an immense amount of lava, which, taking a new direction, dammed up the streams, and caused great destruction of property and lives. After flowing several days it was precipitated down the cataract of Stapafoss, where it filled a profound abyss, which that great waterfall had been excavating for ages, and thence the fiery flood continued in its course.
1783. Washington announced to the governors of the several states his intended resignation of the command of the army.
1793. British frigate La Nymphe, capt. Pellew, captured French frigate Cleopatra, after an action of 55 minutes. French captain and about 60 of his men killed or wounded. The British loss 25 killed, 27 wounded. This was the first capture made after the declaration of war.
1795. Russian manifesto issued by gen. Thimothie Tutomlin, on taking possession of Russian Poland.
1799. Second day's battle of Trebia; French under Macdonald obliged to retire across the river by the Russians under Suwarrow.
1805. Arthur Murphy, an English dramatic writer of eminence, died. Many of his plays still keep the stage. His translation of Tacitus is also in common use.
1811. Ruth Pierce, the mother of sir Benjamin Thompson, count Rumford, died at Baldwin, Maine.
1812. United States declared war against England.
1815. Hostilities ceased between England and the United States throughout the world.
1815. Battle of Waterloo, in the Netherlands. The forces of the two armies are differently stated, but are supposed to have been about 75,000 each. The battle began about noon, and continued with great obstinacy till night, when the French were completely defeated with the loss of more than 30,000 men, 210 cannon, several military chests, and all Napoleon's baggage.