In 1759, the French formally surrendered Quebec to the British.
In 1769, the Boston Gazette reported on the first piano built in the U.S. - a spinet with a three - to four - octave range.
In 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the Capitol building in the District of Columbia, using a silver trowel and marble-headed gavel to put the stone in place, in accordance with Masonic ritual.
In 1810, Chile declared its independence from Spain.
-- part contents for background part 17
----- text -----
"The illusion that the times that were are better than those that are, has probable pervaded all ages."