1853. George Cockburn, who ordered the destruction of the public property at Washington, on the capture of the city by the English, died at the age of 82.
1854. Grisi and Mario, the two most renowned artistes of the old world, arrived at New York.
AUGUST 20.
480 B. C. Battle of Salamis, in Greece, and defeat of the Persians under Xerxes. This great achievement occurred on that day of the mysteries devoted to the solemnities of Bacchus.
332 B. C. Tyre taken by Alexander, which with the subsequent conquest of Gaza, gave to him Egypt.
984. John XIV, pope, died. He was imprisoned in the castle of St. Angelo, by Boniface VIII, where he died, either of poison or grief.
1153. St. Bernard, of Clairvaux, died, and was cannonized on this day. He was an extraordinary character, who obtained great influence over the ecclesiastical affairs of Europe, by the mere force of personal character, without any adventitious advantages, and is styled the last of the fathers.
1485. The earl of Richmond, afterwards Henry VII, halted with his army at Atherstone, two nights previous to the decisive battle of Bosworth field. The troops encamped in a meadow to the north of the church, which now bears the name of the Royal meadow. During the night, Henry held a conference in the town with the two Stanleys, when the measures were agreed upon which resulted in the defeat and death of Richard III.
1513. Norham castle taken by the Scots; its ruins yet remain about eight miles west from Berwick.
1580. Jerome Osorio, an able Portuguese divine and author, died.