1443. John V, duke of Britanny, died, and was succeeded by his son Francis.
1595. Drake and Hawkins sailed from England with six of the queen's ships and twenty-one private ships and barks, on an expedition against the Spanish settlements in the West Indies.
1608. Francis Vere, died; an English general, who distinguished himself in the expedition to Holland, 1585.
1609. Hudson, having retreated his steps from Chesapeake bay, discovered another great bay, which has since acquired the name of Delaware. He anchored the Half Moon in eight fathom water, and took possession of the country.
1645. Hugo Grotius, an eminent Dutch philosopher, died. He was a man of great talent and laborious study, and notwithstanding he passed a stormy life, his works are very numerous.
1654. Axel Oxenstiern, a Swedish statesman, died. He was placed at the head of affairs on the death of Gustavus Adolphus, and owed his elevation to his merit and abilities.
1686. Cassini, an Italian astronomer, discovered the satellite of Venus.
1710. Joseph Keble, an English law writer, died. Besides his published works, which were few, he left 100 large folio, and 50 thick quarto volumes in manuscript.
1722. Port Royal in Jamaica, destroyed by a hurricane; 26 ships and many lives lost.
1731. Charles Boyle, earl of Orrery, died, aged 56. He made a figure from the age of 19 up, in literary, military, and almost every other kind of warfare.