1779 – Stephen Decatur, American naval hero during actions against the Barbay pirates and the War of 1812, is born.
1781 – A British naval expedition led by Benedict Arnold burned Richmond, Va., causing Governor Thomas Jefferson to flee as the Virginia militia, led by Sampson Mathews, defended the city.
1782 – The British withdraw from Wilmington, North Carolina as part of their plan to evacuate from all the towns they have occupied during the War for Independence.
1795 – France announces its awareness of Jay’s treaty between the US and Britain.
http://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/january-5/
