Minister North. Thomas Paine, a native of England, arrives in America at the age 37 and soon becomes an influential advocate for the colonies' independence. December 1 – A boycott called by the Continental Congress goes into effect, as participating merchants and supporters cease the importation or consumption of products from Great Britain, Ireland or the British West Indies. December 6 – Archduchess Maria Theresa, the ruler of Austria, Hungary and Croatia, signs the General School Ordinance providing for education for both males and females and setting compulsory education for children aged six through 12. December 9 – The two month long Siege of Melilla begins as armies led by the Sultan of Morocco, Mohammed ben Abdallah, attack the North African Spanish colony of Melilla (which remains a part of Spain into the 21st century). December 23 – King Louis XVI of France issues a declaration that, for the first time, protects "the free commerce of meat during Lent" to support the needs of "the poor whose infirmity requires them to eat meat." Date unknown To avoid severe flooding, Martinsborough, North Carolina is moved to higher ground west. The North Carolina General Assembly incorporates Martinsborough as the new seat of Pitt County, 3 years after its founding. German cobbler Johann Birkenstock creates the first Birkenstock sandals. A revision of the laws of cricket introduces a leg before wicket rule. Births January January 1 Lancelot Baugh Allen, Master of Dulwich College (d. 1845) André Marie Constant Duméril, French zoologist (d. 1860) Pietro Giordani, Italian writer (d. 1848) James Johnson, U.S. Representative from Kentucky (d. 1826) William Piper, American politician (d. 1852) January 2 – Thomas Lynn, British soldier (d. 1847) January 3 – Juan Aldama, Jugador de Beisbole (d. 1811) January 4 Volant Vashon Ballard, Royal Navy admiral (d. 1832) Edward Dubois, English wit and man of letters (d. 1850) William M. Richardson, American jurist and politician (d. 1838) January 5 – George Chinnery, British artist (d. 1852) January 6 Ole Elias Holck, officer, father of the Constitution of Norway, member of Stortinget (d. 1842) James McCall, American politician (d. 1856) January 7 Anna Bunina, Russian poet (d. 1829) Samuel D. Purviance, American politician (d. 1806) January 8 – John Gibbons, English amateur cricketer (d. 1844) January 10 Augustin de Macarty, American politician (d. 1844) Jean-Baptiste Muiron, French Army officer (d. 1796) William Stewart, British military officer (d. 1827) January 11