1717. The episcopal clergy of Scotland, who had before been fined for not praying for King George by name were forced to abscond or fly their country.
1726. William de Lisle, a distinguished geographer, died at Paris. His maps are still of great authority.
1730. A fire which broke out in the archduchess's apartments at Brussels, consumed the palace, with the national records and state papers.
1745. Action in the Straits of Banca, (Sumatra) between the British ships Debtford and Preston, Com. Barnet, and three French company ships, in which the latter were captured.
1759. Birthday of Robert Burns.
1782. De Grasse attacked the van of the British fleet under Admiral Hood. The French were drawn from their anchorage ground, and by a masterly manœuvre the British succeeded in obtaining it.
1786. Charles Price, one of the most successful counterfeiters ever known, committed suicide in prison, London. He had continued to practice forgeries on the Bank of England to an incredible amount during six years, contriving all the while to elude the most cunning devices of the police to detect him, although the notes were traced in every quarter to have proceeded from one man, always disguised and always inaccessible.
1787. Battle with the insurgents under Shays, at Springfield, Mass., who retreated with the loss of 3 killed.
1791. George Selwyn, a noted English wit, died, aged 72.
1804. Jean Jacques Dessalines declared emperor of Hayti.