1609. Hudson having anchored at Sandy Hook, sent forward five men in a boat, who passed through the Narrows, sounding as they went. They were attacked by two Indian canoes, and John Colman, an Englishman, who had accompanied Hudson in his polar voyages, was killed. This was the first European blood that was shed in these waters. The place where he was interred is still called Colman's point.
1620. The Mayflower, with its company, consisting of 101 passengers, sailed from Plymouth, England, for America; having been obliged to put back twice, on account of the leaky condition of the Speedwell,
which was to sail with her. This was the company of Pilgrims which landed at Plymouth rock, and commenced the settlement of New England.
1645. A general thanksgiving was ordained by governor Kieft, to be observed through the limits of New Netherland, for the restoration of peace with the Indians; showing that this festival, which is by many asserted to be exclusively puritanical, was also observed by the Dutch occasionally.
1652. Philip Alegambe died; a Dutch Jesuit whose works were in high estimation.
1676. The Massachusetts forces, having subdued Philip, turned their arms against the eastern Indians, and surprised about 400 of them at Cocheco, in Maine, who were all taken; those found accessory to the late rebellion, being about half the number, were sold into slavery, and several who had committed murders were hung.
1678. Tonge and Oates furnished a narrative of a plot to overturn the English government.
1683. John Baptist Colbert, marquis of Segnelia, died. He was an illustrious French statesman, deservedly respected as a minister who ably restored the navy, the commerce and finances of the country, patronized learning and science, and invigorated genius by his mild and active generosity.
1689. Mentz, in Germany, surrendered to the imperialists.
1748. Edmund Gibson, bishop of London, died; an eminent antiquarian, theological, political and controversial writer.