1849. John Pierce, of the Congregational church, Brookline, Mass., died. He was distinguished as a preacher and one of the earliest advocates of total abstinence from intoxicating drinks in the state.
1849. The chamber of representatives of Hayti, acting upon a petition which had been circulated one day, brought in a bill conferring the title and dignity of emperor upon Faustin Soulouque, the president of that government.
1851. James McDowell, a Virginia statesman, died. He was sometime governor of the state, and representative to congress.
1851. A fire in Concord, New Hampshire, destroyed the best part of the business portion of the town.
1851. During devotional exercises at the jail in San Francisco, two prisoners, Samuel Whittaker and Samuel McKenzie, were taken from the jailer by force, and hung by the vigilance committee.
1852. Joseph Vance, an Ohio statesman, died. He served the state in various stations, being governor in 1836.
1857. Thomas Clayton, a Delaware judge, died at Newcastle, aged 76. He was sixteen years in congress and occupied the bench with ability for a long time.
AUGUST 25.
383. Gratianus, emperor of Rome, assassinated at the age of 24. He was a powerful Christian ruler, but of an unfortunate turn of mind to conduct a government.
1170. Strongbow, under king Dermot, carried Dublin by storm.