Dr. Samuel Mudd had been convicted and sentenced for his part in the death of Abraham Lincoln, and was serving his life sentence at Fort Jefferson, a remote military prison on an island off the Florida Keys.  He attempted to stow away on the supply ship Thomas A. Scott but was discovered in the hold.  He lost privileges for the attempt and resumed his imprisonment.  He was later pardoned and released in March 1869.  (By John Osborne)

According to news reports, a fire broke out in a cafe in a densely populated Stanboul section of Constantinople and, forced along in a strong north wind, spread quickly.  Firefighting efforts including the army were able to prevent damage to the government offfices closer to the port and ships docked in the harbor.  But a reported eight to nine thousands houses were burned to the ground.  (By John Osborne) 

A massive well fire broke out near the oil boom town of Pit Hole City, Pennsylvania, now with a population of almost 20,000, at the United States Petroleum Company of New York's "Grant" Well and rapidly spread across the neighboring oil fields. Thirteen derricks and engine houses were reported burned, at a cost of around $150,000.  No serious injuries were reported.  (By John Osborne)