1854. A collision on the Susquehanna rail road, near Baltimore, by which 30 persons were killed, and a large number badly wounded.
1854. James Murray, mayor of Alexandria, La., was killed while attempting to suppress a disturbance at a barbecue.
1855. William Terrell, an accomplished and useful citizen of Georgia, died at Sparta in that state. He took great interest in the promotion of agricultural science, and bestowed $20,000 for the establishment of an agricultural professorship in the University of Georgia.
1855. A convention of cotton planters assembled at Cooper's Well, Miss., to hear the report of a committee upon the subject of a direct trade between the southern states and Europe. They adjourned to meet at Jackson, in January.
1855. Svartholm, a fort of great strength, commanding the approach to Lovisa, on the gulf of Finland, which had been deserted by its garrison, was destroyed by the allies.
1856. The members of what was termed the Kansas free state legislature, assembled at Topeka, but were dispersed by the U. S. troops, by direction of Col. Sumner.
1856. The statue of Washington, in Union square, New York, was inaugurated.
1857. Anton Schmidt, a German literary celebrity, died at Salzburg, aged 71. He was custos of the imperial library at Vienna, and was a popular author.
1857. William L. Marcy, an American statesman, died, aged 71. He filled the offices of comptroller and governor of New York with ability; but distinguished himself as secretary of war under president Polk, and secretary of state under president Pierce.