1752. William Whiston, an eminent English divine, died. He was also a mathematician, and succeeded sir Isaac Newton as professor of mathematics at Cambridge.
1766. Philip Carteret sailed from England in the sloop-of-war Swallow, on his voyage round the world, in company with captain Wallis in the Dolphin. They parted company April 10, 1767; the latter returned in 1768, the former March 20, 1769.
1773. George Lyttleton, an elegant English poet, historian and miscellaneous writer, died.
1776. The British troops, 24,000, under lord and sir William Howe, landed on Long island, between Gravesend and Utrecht.
1777. The siege of fort Stanwix raised by St. Leger, who retreated in great confusion, losing his tents, most of his artillery and stores.
1777. An unsuccessful attempt was made by general Sullivan and colonel Ogden on Staten island. The latter took 130 privates and some officers, burnt a magazine of hay and 7 vessels, and destroyed some stores, &c. The general deviated from his original plan, whence his enterprise was not so completely successful.
1778. Count d'Estaing sailed from Newport for Boston, which compelled general Sullivan to raise the siege of Newport and fall back; 2 or 3,000 volunteers having left him in consequence.
1779. General Williamson and colonel Pickens entered the Indian country, and
burned about 50,000 bushels of corn in eight of their towns.
1779. Charles Clerke, the English circumnavigator, died of consumption off Kamschatka, and was buried at Paratounca. He had but a short time previous succeeded captain Cook in the command of the expedition.