Home1797 Edition

RIGA

Volume 16 · 110 words · 1797 Edition

a large, strong, populous, and rich town of the Russian empire, and capital of Livonia. It is a large trading place, and has a very considerable fortress; the trade is chiefly in corn, skins, leather, and naval stores. It was taken by the Ruffians in 1710, after they had blocked it up a long while, during which the inhabitants were afflicted with the plague. The castle is square, and defended by four towers and six bastions; besides which, it has a fine arsenal. The Protestants have still a handsome college here. It is seated on a large plain on the river Dwina. E. Long. 24. 25. N. Lat. 57. 0.