February 8 1st opera in U.S. "Flora," opens in Charleston, SC February 18 1st opera performed in America, "Flora," in Charleston, South Carolina March 13 1st U.S. Moravian bishop, David Nitschmann, consecrated in Germany August 4 Jury acquits John Zenger (New York Weekly Journal) charged with seditious libel by royal governor of New York (victory for Freedom of press) August 18 Evening Post begins publishing (Boston Mass) September 22 Robert Walpole is 1st British Prime Minister to live at 10 Downing Street October 3 France and Emperor Karel VI sign peace accord November 30 States of Holland forbid Free Masonry