a handsome and considerable seaport town of France, in the territory of Aunis, with a very commodious harbour, and one of the most famous in the kingdom. It is a department of the marine, and has large magazines of naval stores. There is also one of the finest halls of arms in the kingdom, and a great many workmen employed in making them; there are also forges for anchors, and work-houses for ship carpenters, who are employed in every thing that relates to the fitting out of ships, that comes within the compass of their province. They likewise cast great guns here; and have artists, whose employment is sculpture and painting. There are also stocks for building men of war, rope-walks, magazines of provisions and powder, a manufactory of sail-cloth, an hospital for sailors, and proper places to clean the ships. Add to these, the houses of the intendant, the square of the capuchins, and the superb structure which contains lodgings for 300 marine guards, where they are taught the business and exercises belonging to seamen and officers who go on board the men of war. It is seated on the river Charente, four miles from its mouth; and the entrance of the river is defended by several forts. W. Long. o. 54. N. Lat. 46. 3.