African-American John A. Copeland, a participant in John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry the previous month was found guilty of murder and conspiracy at his trial in Charlestown, Virginia. His defense argued that under the Dred Scott decision Copeland was not a citizen and therefore could not be convicted on the charge of treason against the state of Virginia.  The court agreed but sentenced him to death on the other three counts.  (By John Osborne) 

A late evening fire completely destroyed a large grain elevator operated by the New York Central Railroad in Buffalo, New York.  Lost were more than 200,000 bushels of grain.  The fire spread to the adjoining freight yard but further damage was slight and no-one was injured.  The total cost of the disaster were estimated at $250,000.  (By John Osborne)

Alexander Randall, Republican Governor of Wisconsin, was re-elected with an increased majority over the Democratic nominee Harrison C. Hobart.  Randall went on to support Lincoln with troops at the outbreak of the Civil War and later became minister to Italy.  Hobart served as a colonel in the war and made another unsuccessful try for the governor's mansion in 1865.  (By John Osborne)

Several prisoners overpowered the jailer at the Monroe County Jail in Rochester, New York, and set others free.  Thirteen prisoners escaped in total. (By John Osborne)

State-wide and local elections were held across Louisiana.  In New Orleans, the American Party dominated most ward elections.  (By John Osborne)