1779. New Haven, Conn., entered by the British under sir George Collier, and subjected to almost indiscriminate ravage and plunder till night.
1780. Action off cape Ortegal between British ships Prudent and Licorne, and French ship Capricieuse 32 guns. The latter was captured, but so much damaged that they were obliged to burn her.
1782. Fifth action between the British fleet, admiral Hughes, and the French, admiral Suffrein, in the East Indies.
1788. Mather Byles, a Boston divine, died; a man of talent and wit, who corresponded with Pope, Lansdowne and Watts. He was suspected of tory principles
during the revolution, and frequently, on complaint, sentenced to be confined to his own house, with a sentinel over him; on one of these occasions he induced the sentinel to go on an errand for him, promising to take his place, and was seen very gravely marching before his own door, the musket on his shoulder, keeping guard over himself.
1792. Robert Strange died; styled the father of historical engraving in England. He studied in France, and had the first knowledge of the dry needle, an instrument which his genius improved and used with great success.
1797. Second bombardment of Cadiz by the British.
1807. Buenos Ayres assaulted by the British under general Whitelocke. They were forced to retire with the loss of 2,000 men, and soon after compelled to withdraw the armament.
1808. Cuenca, Spain, taken by the French under Caulincourt, and given up to pillage.
1809. Battle near Enzersdorff and Wagram. Massena having crossed the Danube during the night, which was stormy and tempestuous, compelled the Austrians under the archduke Charles to give Bonaparte battle. The action continued the whole day, but neither party gained any decided advantage.