Historical Events Dec 1 Massachusetts becomes the first colony to give statutory recognition to slavery Dec 6 Don Francisco de Mello appointed land guardian of South Netherlands Dec 25 Emperor Ferdinand III makes appointments with Sweden and France Famous Deaths Dec 9 Anthony van Dyck, Flemish painter, dies at 42 Dec 27 Francois van d'Aerssen, ruler of Sommelsdijk/diplomat, dies at 69 1640 History by Year 1642