• On Oct. 19, 1796, a writer, mysteriously named “Phocion,” slyly attacks presidential candidate Thomas Jefferson an essay published in the Gazette of the United States. Phocion turned out to be former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, who would write 25 essays lambasting Jefferson.• On Oct. 18, 1867, the U.S. formally takes possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia for $7.2 million, or less than 2 cents an acre. Russia sold its Alaska territory to the U.S. rather than risk losing it in battle with a rival such as Great Britain.• On Oct. 24, 1931, New York Gov. Franklin ...