1674. Thomas Willett, the first mayor of New York, died. He is buried at Seekonk, Mass.
1695. Francis de Harlay died; archbishop of Paris, the favorite of Louis XIV.
1701. Ulric Obrecht, a learned German critic and Latin historian, died. So extensive and various was his learning that he has been styled "the epitome of human science."
1706. John Baptist du Hamel died; a celebrated French philosopher and divine.
1725. Thomas Rawlinson (Tom Folio), an English antiquary, died. The sale of his collection of books and manuscripts, which were put up at auction after his death, occupied several weeks.
1745. David Wilkins died; an English librarian and antiquary, and a learned author.
1756. Eugene Aram, a self-taught English scholar, executed near York, for murder, and hung in chains on Knaresborough forest. He was a man of consummate abilities and wonderful erudition, but appears to have been a victim to covetousness.
1777. General Herkimer, marching with the forces of Tryon county to relieve Gen. Gansevoort at fort Schuyler, was ambushed by a strong detachment of British and Indians, and defeated with the loss of 400. The Indians lost several of their great chiefs and 70 warriors.
1778. Sieur Gerard, ambassador from France, introduced to congress. He was the first ambassador from any nation to the United States.
1780. Battle of Hanging-rock; 600 Americans under Sumpter attacked and defeated the British, consisting of the prince of Wales' regiment and a large body of tories. The regiment was almost entirely destroyed; from 278 it was reduced to 9 men.