Historical Events
Event of Interest
May 9 John Hancock pays duties on 25 pipes of wine, only one fourth of his ship's carrying capacity. British officials accuse him of unloading the rest during the night to avoid paying duties on the entire cargo.
John Hancock
- May 10 John Wilkes is imprisoned for writing an article for "The North Briton" severely criticizing King George III. This action provokes rioting in London.
Famous Birthdays
- May 2 Jean-Louis-Marc Alibert, French dermatologist, born in Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Aveyron, France (d. 1837)
- May 3 Charles Tennant, Scottish chemist and industrialist, born in Laigh Corton, Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland (d. 1838)
- May 17 Caroline, Brunswick, Queen Consort of King George IV
- May 17 Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, English general (d. 1854)
- May 20 Dolley Dandridge Payne Madison, 1st lady (1809-17)