1631. The president and counsel for New England, made a grant to Robert
Aldworth and Giles Elbridge of a hundred acres of land for every person
whom they should transport to the province of Maine within seven years,
who should continue there three years; and an absolute grant of 12,000
acres as their proper inheritance for ever, to be laid out near the
river commonly called Pemaquid.
1704. Deerfield, in Massachusetts, burnt. Hertel de Rouville with 200
French and 140 Indians, after a tedious march through deep snow from
Canada, made an attack upon this place, which was the northern frontier
on Connecticut river. A watch had patrolled the streets until about two
hours before day, when he incautiously fell asleep, and the snow was of
such depth as to admit of an entrance over the pickets of the fort. The
whole settlement was burnt with the exception of one house, which was
standing until quite recently; 47 were slain, 112 carried into
captivity, including among the latter, the Rev. John Williams and his
family. Of the captives, 17 died or were killed on the march; 57 were
redeemed, among whom were the minister and his family (his wife was
killed soon after the capture), except one daughter who could not be
persuaded to return; but adopted the manners and customs of the Indians,
became a catholic, and married a savage. The bell taken from the church,
it is said, still hangs in an Indian church at St. Regis.
1744. JOHN THEOPHILUS DESAGULIERS died. He was the son of a French
protestant clergyman, who resided in England. Having been educated for
the ministry, he settled in London; there he acquired a turn for natural
philosophy, and was the first person who lectured on experimental
philosophy in the metropolis. He was a man of rare ability, and his
income enabled him to keep an equipage. His coachman, Erasmus King, from
the force of example, became a kind of rival to the doctor; for he also
undertook to read lectures, and exhibit experiments in natural
philosophy. The terms of admission to the _lyceum_ of the latter
philosopher were in proportion to the humble station he had filled.
1793. The French convention passed a decree of accusation against Marat,
and by so doing tore off the cloak of inviolability which covered its
members, and constituted itself its own jury of accusation.
1808. Denmark declared war against Sweden.
1810. Battle of Vique, in Spain, in which the Spanish General O'Donnel
attacked the French under Souham. The impetuosity of the charge made by
the Spanish troops lost them the battle.
1844. Fatal explosion of the great gun, Peacemaker, on board the
American war steamer, Princeton, by which several government officers
lost their lives, and many persons were seriously injured.