What Happened in April 1782

Historical Events

Apr 6 Rama I succeeds King Taksin of Siam (modern day Thailand), who is overthrown in a coup d'état

Battle at Les Saintes

Apr 12 Battle at Les Saintes: British fleet under Admiral George Rodney defeats the French fleet under Comte de Grasse off Dominica in the West Indies. Prevents a planned French and Spanish invasion of Jamaica.

The French flagship, the Ville de Paris on the right, in action against HMS Barfleur

Adams Secures Dutch Recognition

Apr 19 John Adams secures Dutch Republic's recognition of the United States as an independent government, a house he purchased in The Hague becomes America's first embassy

Events in 1782

Famous Birthdays

Apr 14 Carlo Coccia, Italian composer, born in Naples, Kingdom of Naples (d. 1873)
Apr 26 Maria Amalia of Bourbon-Sicily, French queen as wife of Louis Phillip of Austria, born in Caserta Palace, Naples (d. 1866)

Born in 1782

Famous Deaths

Apr 6 Rynoldus Popma van Oevering, Dutch composer, dies at 90
Apr 7 Taksin, King of Siam (1767-82), dies at 47
Apr 12 Metastasio, Italian poet and librettist (b. 1698)

Anne Bonny (1702-1782)

Apr 22 Irish Caribbean pirate and lover of Calico Jack [date of death is approximate], dies in prison at 85

Apr 22 Josef Seger [Segert], Czech composer, organist, and educator, dies at 66
Apr 27 William Talbot, 1st Earl Talbot, British politician, dies at 72