1748. Joseph de Mailla, a French missionary, died at Pekin. His great knowledge of Chinese led to his employment at Pekin, where he became a great favorite with the emperor, at whose request he constructed a map of China and Chinese Tartary, and had it engraved in France.
1776. British under Clinton and admiral Parker made an unsuccessful attempt upon Sullivan's island. The American force was 344 regulars and a few volunteers. The British made the attack in 10 ships, one of which was abandoned and burnt. After the action was over 7,000 balls were picked up.
1778. Battle of Monmouth, between the British under Cornwallis, and the Americans under Washington. Owing to some mistakes on both sides, the action was delayed and the day far spent without much fighting. The Americans were prepared to renew the engagement in the morning, but the British had retreated during the night in great silence. British loss 246 killed, 59 died of fatigue; American loss 142 killed, 160 wounded. The day was excessively hot, and many died of fatigue on both sides.
1785. Treaty of fort Herkimer, between the Oneidas, Tuscaroras and the state of New York.
1794. Battle of Fleurus and capture of chateau de Namur, by the French. The allies lost more than 7000 men killed, and 1500 prisoners. The conquest of the Netherlands was greatly influenced by the result of this battle.
1794. The Poles under Kosciusko, armed with scythes rose upon the Russians at Cracow and defeated the regular troops.
1796. Battle of Renchen; Moreau victorious over the Austrians.
1797. George Keats died; author of Ancient and Modern Rome, a poem, and an account of the Pelew islands.
1802. Thomas Garnet died; an English physician and chemist, and an author on chemistry, &c.
1802. M. Garnerin ascended in a balloon from Chelsea, England, and made an ærial voyage of more than 50 miles at the rate of 70 miles an hour. This was the most memorable ascent in England from the time of Leonardi.