Historical Events
Event of Interest
Aug 7 Commander of the Continental Army, George Washington, creates two Honorary Badges of Distinction and a Badge of Military Merit (now the Purple Heart). First time military awards are presented to common soldiers.
Battle of the Combahee River
Aug 27 Battle of the Combahee River near Beaufort, South Carolina, American abolitionist John Laurens is killed leading the charge
Famous Birthdays
Vicente Guerrero (1782-1831)
Aug 9 Mexican revolutionary hero, general and 2nd President of Mexico (1829), born in Cuilapan, Oaxaca, Mexico
Charles Napier (1782-1853)
Aug 10 British soldier and Major General of the Bombay Army who conquered Sindh and became its Governor (1843-47), born in Whitehall Palace, London
- Aug 15 Henri de Mérode, Belgian revolutionary (Souvenirs), born in Brussels, Belgium (d. 1847)
Famous Weddings
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Aug 4 Musician Wolfang Amadeus Mozart (26) weds Constanze Weber in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria
William Blake
Aug 18 Romantic Age poet and artist William Blake (24) marries Catherine Boucher (19) in St. Mary's Church, Battersea, London
Famous Deaths
John Laurens (1754-1782)
Aug 27 American soldier, diplomat and abolitionist, killed in battle at 27
- Aug 29 Richard Kempenfelt, Royal Navy Admiral drowns in sinking of HMS Royal George at about 64 (exact birthday uncertain)
