Events January–March January 7 – The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland issues an Order in Council prohibiting British ships from trading with France or its allies. January 20 – The Sierra Leone Company, faced with bankruptcy because of the outlawing of the slave trade in British colonies, petitions the British government for purchase and transfer of its property to the Crown; Parliament approves the transfer on July 29, and it takes effect on January 1, 1808. February 3 – Napoleonic Wars and Anglo-Spanish War – Battle of Montevideo: The British Army captures Montevideo from the Spanish Empire, as part of the British invasions of the Río de la Plata. February 7 – Napoleon leads the forces of the French Empire in an invasion of the Russian Empire, and begins fighting at the Battle of Eylau against Russian and Prussian forces. February 8 – Battle of Eylau: Napoleon fights a hard but inconclusive battle against the Russians under Bennigsen. February 10 – The United States Coast Survey is established; work begins on August 3, 1816. February 17 – Henry Christopher is elected first President of the State of Haiti, ruling the northern part of the country. February 19 – In Alabama, former Vice President of the United States Aaron Burr is tried for conspiracy, but acquitted. February 23 – The Slave Trade Act is passed in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom by an overwhelming majority. March 2 – The United States Congress passes the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves "into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States ... from any foreign kingdom, place, or country" (to take effect January 1, 1808). March 25 The United Kingdom Slave Trade Act becomes law abolishing the slave trade in most of the British Empire with effect from 1 May (slavery itself is abolished in British colonies in 1833). The Swansea and Mumbles Railway in South Wales, at this time known as the Oystermouth Railway, becomes the first passenger-carrying railway in the world. March 29 – H. W. Olbers discovers the asteroid Vesta. April–June April 4–12 – Froberg mutiny: The British suppress a mutiny at Fort Ricasoli, Malta, by men of the irregularly-recruited Frobert Regiment. April 14 – African Institution holds its first meeting in London; it is intended to improve social conditions in Sierra Leone. May 22 – A grand jury indicts former Vice President