an island on the coast of Africa, about fifteen miles distant from Cape Blanco, situated in W. Long. 16° 30'. N. Lat. 20° 20'. It is scarce two miles in length; notwithstanding which, it was a bone of contention for 87 years between the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French; and, after a variety of fortune, has at last been totally abandoned.

This island was first discovered by the Portuguese in 1444, when a fleet bound to the east touched at Arguim, and from some little trade carried on with the natives, it was imagined that a settlement there might be of some advantage to Portugal. In consequence of this opinion, a fort was erected on the island, and the Portuguese enjoyed the peaceable possession of it till 1638. At this time, the Dutch having received a minute account of the condition of the island, resolved to attack it; and accordingly landed without molestation from the garrison, which was too weak to oppose them. The Portuguese, however, defended themselves with great intrepidity, and at last surrendered upon honourable terms. The Dutch immediately set about repairing the fortifications, and securing it in the best manner they could; however, in 1665, the fort was reduced almost to an heap of rubbish by an English squadron; but as the fortifications were totally destroyed, anotuly a small garrison left there, it was easily retaken by the Dutch the next year. They now redoubled their diligence in strengthening the island, entering into alliance with Moorish chiefs, procuring a number of families to settle under protection of the fort, and giving extravagant prices for guns, in order to monopolize the gum-trade. By this means the gum-trade of the French Senegal company was almost entirely destroyed; upon which they fitted out a squadron, dispossessed the Dutch, and had the island finally ceded to them by the treaty of Nimeguen.

Though the Dutch now seemed to be finally expelled, they resolved not to part so easily with such a valuable settlement. Under pretence of being subjects of the elector of Brandenburg, therefore, they erected one of the forts which had been demolished, and