MALACCA, the capital of the country of the same name, is situated in a flat country close to the sea. The walls and fortifications are founded on a solid rock, and are carried up to a great height; the lower part of them is washed by the sea at every tide, and on the land side is a wide canal or ditch, cut from the sea to the river, which makes it an island. In 1641 it was taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch, since which time it has continued in their possession. In this city there are a great many broad streets; but they are very badly paved. The houses are tolerably well built, and some of them have gardens behind or on one side. The inhabitants consist of a few Dutch, many Malayans, Moors, Chinese, and other Indians, who are kept in awe by a fortress, which is separated from the city by a river, and by good walls and bastions, as well as by strong gates, and a drawbridge that is on the eastern side. The city is well situated for trade and navigation. E. Long. 102. 2. N. Lat. 2. 12.