1307. Edward I, ninth king of England, died in the 35th year of his reign, aged 69. He was distinguished for his wisdom and the equity of his laws, as well as for his military abilities. (See [Jan. 2, 1774].)
1415. John Huss, a celebrated German reformer, burnt by the council of Constance. He was the first opposer of the doctrine of transubstantiation, and the defender of Wickliffe.
1520. Battle of Otumba; the retreating army of Cortez being hotly pursued by the Mexicans, that general resolved to halt and risk a battle. The Tlascalan allies were of incalculable service to the maimed and wretched band of soldiers, who now faced about to resist the whole Mexican force, determined not to leave a trace of the Spaniards upon the earth. This battle lasted four hours; the Spaniards performed prodigies of valor, and were victorious. The cavalry penetrated the masses of Mexicans and struck down the chiefs when they began to give way, and the Tlascalans mowed down all before them with the arms which were thrown away by the fugitives.
1572. Sigismund II, king of Poland, died, and with him the Jaghellon race became extinct.
1573. James Borazzio Vignola died; an eminent Italian architect.
1607. The national anthem, God save the King, written by Ben Jonson, and composed by Dr. Bull, first vocalized in Merchant Taylor's hall, by the choir of the royal chapel, the king being present.
1640. The inhabitants of Providence, 40 in number, united in forming a civil government, after their own model.
1647. Revolt in Naples against the Spanish authorities, headed by the famous Thomas Aniello (Massaniello) a fisherman.
1647. Thomas Hooker, an English dissenting divine, died. He emigrated to Holland to escape persecution, and thence to America, and settled in Connecticut. In 1647 he removed with his whole congregation to the banks of the river, and may be considered the founder of the town of Hartford. He was a rigid puritan, and a man of learning and talent.
1648. Battle of St. Neots in England.