1855. Battle of Tchernaya; the Russians under Gortschakoff attacked with great force the lines of the allies, and drove in the outposts, defended by the Sardinians; but after a severe contest were driven back with great loss; 4000 supposed to have been killed, and 2200 left prisoners and wounded. Loss of the allies 1200, of whom 200 were Sardinians.
1856. Henry Colburn, an eminent London publisher, died. He brought out the works of Bulwer, D'Israeli, Hook, Maryatt and James, and originated several very popular magazines.
AUGUST 17.
1408. John Gower, an early English poet, died. He was a member of the bar, and a severe contemner of the vices of the age.
1483. Edward V of England, and his brother the duke of York, smothered in prison by order of the duke of Gloucester, their guardian.
1502. Columbus sent his brother Bartholomew on shore at Orejas, and took possession of South America in the name of Ferdinand and Isabella.
1544. St. Dizier surrendered to the emperor Charles V, after a noble defence made by the French governor.
1590. The governor of the colony of Roanoke returned from England, whither he had been for supplies (see [August 27]), and found the settlement deserted, the houses taken down, and the word Croatoan written upon the trees. He was compelled to return without finding the place of their removal.
1657. Robert Blake died; one of the most intrepid and successful admirals that have adorned the British navy.
1673. Regnier de Graaf died in France, where he acquired great celebrity as a physician and a writer; aged 32.