1681. John Edward Nidhard, an Austrian jesuit, died. He was appointed inquisitor-general and minister of Spain.
1684. Robert Leighton, a Scotch prelate, died. He for a number of years employed his talents and influence in a vain endeavor to bring about a reconciliation between the presbyterians and episcopalians. As a preacher he was admired beyond all his contemporaries, and his works have not yet lost their popularity.
1686. Francis Blondel died; eminent for his knowledge of geometry and belles-lettres; was professor of mathematics and architecture, and tutor to the dauphin of France.
1702. Marshal Villeroy, general of the French and Spanish armies in Italy, surprised in his bed at Cremona, and taken prisoner by the imperialists under Prince Eugene.
1708. Captain Rogers discovered Alexander Selkirk on the island of Juan Fernandez, where he had lived alone four years and four months.
1718. Daniel Francis Voisin, chancellor of France, died. He was eminent for his talents, integrity and virtue.
1733. Frederick Augustus, elector of Saxony and king of Poland, died. His court was one of the most splendid and polished in Europe, and he filled with dignity his station among the European powers. In his character generous ideas were united with despotic feelings; a taste for pleasure with the cares of ambition; and the restlessness of a warlike spirit with the effeminacy of a luxurious life. Instances of his prodigious strength are recorded, which appear almost incredible.
1775. The new congress of Massachusetts met at Cambridge and chose John Hancock their president.
1781. Lord Cornwallis with the British army, passed the Catawba at M'Cowan's ford. His passage was disputed by Wm. Davidson, lieut. col., commandant of the North Carolina line, and brigadier general of militia, with 300 militia. Davidson was overpowered, and killed by a ball in the breast. Cornwallis had his horse killed under him.
1789. The first president of the United States elected.