PORT REPUBLICAIN, or PORT-AU-PRINCE, the capital of the empire of Hayti, and the chief seaport in that island, stands at the head of the bay of Gonaives, on the W. coast, N. Lat. 18. 35., W. Long. 72. 18. It is partially fortified towards the land, and there is a battery on a small island that protects the harbour. It has a commanding appearance from the sea; but though the streets are broad and regular, the most of the houses are built of wood, low, and mean in appearance. The chief buildings are—the palace, court-house, church, arsenal, mint, school, and military hospital; but few of these are of any architectural merit. The surrounding country is swampy and unhealthy. Port Republicain carries on some commerce with Jamaica and the United States. The number of ships that entered the port in 1855 was 182, tonnage 30,530; those that cleared 158, tonnage 26,079; besides the coasting trade, in which were employed 38 ships, tonnage 7241. The harbour is quite safe, except during the hurricanes which occur between August and November. Port Republicain was founded in 1749. It was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1770, and has been much injured on various occasions by fire. Pop. 25,000.