a town in Holland, the capital of Dutch Brabant. It is a large, populous, well-built city, regularly fortified after the modern way, and is one of the strongest places on the Dutch frontiers. It is seated on the river Meck, in a marshy country, which may be overflowed. overflowed and rendered inaccessible to an army. It is 4000 paces in circumference, and contains upwards of 2000 houses. It is not very well built, but has one handsome street. The town is of a triangular figure, and the ramparts are all planted round with elms. At every angle there is a gate built with brick. The curtains are flanked with 15 battions, planted with cannon, and by 15 ravelins. The great church is a noble structure, remarkable for its fine spire, which is 362 feet high. The mausoleum of Angelbert II, count of Nassau, is a curious piece adorned with several statues and inscriptions suitable to the occasion. In 1577, the garrison delivered this city to the States-general; but it was retaken in 1581, by Claude de Barlaumont, assisted by the baron de Prelin, who was prisoner therein.

In 1590, prince Maurice took it again from the Spaniards; but Spinola became master of it in 1625, after a siege of six months. It was retaken by the prince of Orange, for the United Provinces, in 1637. There was a congress held here, and peace concluded, in 1667, between the Dutch and the English. E. Long. 4° 45'. N. Lat. 51° 35'.