MÆSTRICHT, an ancient town of the Netherlands, ceded to the Dutch by the treaty of Munster, but now belonging to France, is about four miles in circumference, and strongly fortified. The inhabitants, the number of whom is estimated at 18,000, are noted for making excellent fire arms, and some say that in the arsenal there are arms sufficient for a whole army. Both Papists and Protestants are allowed the free exercise of their religion, and the magistrates are composed of both. It is seated on the river Mæse, which separates it from Wyck, and with which it communicates by a handsome bridge. Mæstricht revolted from the Spaniards in 1570, but was reduced in 1579. Louis XIV. became master of it in 1673; but it was restored to the states by the treaty of Nimeguen in 1678. It was again taken by the French in 1794. E. Long. 5. 50. N. Lat. 51. 5.