Today in History - January 5

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Sunday, Jan 5 2014 by

1757 – Louis XV of France survives an assassination attempt by Robert-François Damiens, the last person to be executed in France by drawing and quartering, the traditional and gruesome form of capital punishment used for regicides.

'Portrait Of Louis XV In His Royal Costume' by Pierre François Cozette (StreetView)
'Portrait Of Louis XV In His Royal Costume' by Pierre François Cozette

1781 – American Revolutionary War: Richmond, Virginia, is burned by British naval forces led by Benedict Arnold.

Benedict Arnold Boot Monument (Birds Eye)
Benedict Arnold Boot Monument

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