1653. Martin Harpertzoon van Tromp, a Dutch admiral, killed in an engagement with the English fleet off the Texel. He entered the navy at the age of 8, and rose from the lowest station to the chief command. This brave man refused all titles except that of father of the sailors. (July 31, O. S.)
1665. The French West India company, purchased of the order of Malta, the islands of St. Christopher, St. Cruz and St. Bartholomew, for 500,000 livres turnois.
1669. Henrietta Maria, queen dowager to Charles I, died at St. Colombe, near Paris, in France.
1672. John De Witt, the famous pensionary of Holland, killed by a mob. "He was the zealous patron of the glory and liberty of his native country; the greatest genius of his time; the ablest politician in war as well as peace; the Atlas of the commonwealth."
1674. Hugh Paulin Cressy, an English divine, died. He became a catholic, was much respected, and published some valuable works, particularly an able ecclesiastical history.
1675. Corner stone for the foundation of the royal observatory was laid at Greenwich, England. The edifice was erected by Charles II, under the superintendence of sir Christopher Wren, and Flamsteed appointed astronomer-royal.
1675. Peter Bales, an early and eminent English writing master, finished a performance which contained the Lord's prayer, the creed, the decalogue, two short prayers in Latin, his own name, motto, the date, and the year of the reign of Elizabeth, within the circle of a penny, and so accurately wrought as to be plainly legible. It was enchased in a ring of gold, and presented to the queen.
1686. John Baptist Cotelerius, a learned Frenchman, died. He published the works of all the fathers in the apostolic age, with learned notes.
1702. Lord Cutts carried, sword in hand, fort St. Michael, at Venlo, before any breach had been made. This was considered one of the greatest exploits during the wars of queen Anne.
1709. Lewis Anthony Prosper Herissant died; an eminent French poet and physician.