On This Day

August 1782 in History

Events in History


Event of interestEvent of Interest

Aug 2 George Washington creates Honorary Badge of Distinction

First US President George Washington
First US President
George Washington
  • Aug 7 George Washington creates the Purple Heart medal (original name Badge of Military Merit) as commander of the Continental Army
  • Aug 14 Suriname forbids selling slave mothers without their babies

BattleBattle of Interest

Aug 27 Battle of the Combahee River near Beaufort, North Carolina, American abolitionist John Laurens is killed leading the charge

Soldier, Diplomat and Abolitionist John Laurens
Soldier, Diplomat and Abolitionist
John Laurens

Birthdays in History


Person of interestVicente Guerrero

Aug 9 Vicente Guerrero, Mexican revolutionary hero, general and 2nd President of Mexico (1829), born in Cuilapan, Oaxaca, Mexico (d. 1831)

Revolutionary General and President of Mexico Vicente Guerrero
Revolutionary General and President of Mexico
Vicente Guerrero

Person of interestCharles Napier

Aug 10 Charles Napier, British soldier and Major General of the Bombay Army who conquered Sindh and became its Governor (1843-47), born in Whitehall Palace, London (d. 1853)

General Charles Napier
General
Charles Napier
  • Aug 15 Henri de Mérode, Belgian revolutionary (Souvenirs), born in Brussels, Belgium (d. 1847)

Weddings in History


LoveWedding of Interest

Aug 18 Romantic Age poet and artist William Blake (24) marries Catherine Boucher (19) in St. Mary's Church, Battersea, London

Poet and Artist William Blake
Poet and Artist
William Blake

Deaths in History


Person of interestJohn Laurens

Aug 27 John Laurens, American soldier, diplomat and abolitionist, killed in battle at 27

Soldier, Diplomat and Abolitionist John Laurens
Soldier, Diplomat and Abolitionist
John Laurens
  • Aug 29 Richard Kempenfelt, Royal Navy Admiral drowns (b. 1718)