1797. Edmund Burke, a British writer, orator and statesman of great eminence, died. His complete works have been published in 16 vols. octavo.
1813. Outposts of the American encampment at fort George attacked by the British and Indians. A company under lieutenant Eldridge was sent to support the posts, but fell into an ambush, and after an obstinate struggle 13 were killed, 5 escaped; the remainder, including lieutenant Eldridge, were taken prisoners and put to death by the Indians with great barbarity. In consequence of this event and similar outrages, general Brown received into the service of the United States a party of Seneca and Tuscarora Indians, under young Cornplanter.
1814. The Americans under Gen. Scott succeeded in throwing a bridge over the Chippewa, and compelled general Riall to retreat to Ten-mile creek. General Brown occupied the British works the same evening.
1822. Thomas Fanshaw Middleton, bishop of Calcutta, died. He was the first to hold that office, and was distinguished for talents and acquirements, zeal and fidelity.
1838. Treaty of peace concluded between Russia and Turkey.
1847. The canal from the Durance to Marseilles in France completed. More than one-fifth of its length is through the Alps in tunnels.
1848. To test the effect of an eclipse upon animals five healthy linnets were put in a cage together and fed; at the end of it three of them were found dead; a dog which had long been kept fasting, and which was eating hungrily when the eclipse commenced, left his food as soon as the darkness set in; a colony of ants which had been working actively, suddenly ceased from their labors at the same moment.
1850. The Alabama historical society was organized at Tuskaloosa.
1852. A destructive fire at Montreal laid waste a considerable portion of the city.
1853. The American expedition under commodore Perry arrived at Japan.