a port town of Livonia, situated at the south entrance of the gulf of Finland, partly in a plain and partly on a mountain; 133 miles south-west of Petersburg, and 85 south-east of Abo. It is a place of great trade, and holds two fairs yearly, which are visited by merchants from all countries, but particularly by those of England and Holland. It is a strong and a rich place, with a capital harbour. It is surrounded with high walls and deep ditches, and defended by a castle and stout bastions. It was confirmed to the Swedes at the peace of Oliva, conquered by Peter the Great in 1710, and ceded to Russia in 1721. The conquest of it was again attempted by the Swedes in 1790. The duke of Sodermania, with the Swedish fleet, attempted to carry the harbour; but after an obstinate engagement with the Russian fleet, he was obliged to give it up; but it was but for a very short while. He retired about 10 leagues from the harbour, to repair the damage his fleet had sustained, and to prepare for a second attack before any relief could be afforded to the Russian fleet. As soon as he had refitted, he sailed for the harbour, at a league distant from which the Russian fleet was discovered, ready to dispute with the Swedes the entrance. Upon a council being held by the duke, it was resolved to attack the Russians; and the signals being given, the fleet bore down for the attack, which was maintained for near five hours with the utmost fury: at length the Swedes broke the Russian line, which threw them into much confusion; when the Swedes, taking the advantage of the general confusion into which the Russians were thrown, followed them with their whole force into the harbour, where the conflict and carnage were dreadful on both sides, though the Swedes certainly had the worst of it; but at the same time their skill and bravery are indubitable.

This valuable place was again confirmed to Russia by the peace. The government of Revel or Ethonia is one of the divisions of the Russian empire, containing five districts. 1. Revel, on the Baltic sea. 2. Balticport, about 40 versts westward from Revel. 3. Habala, or Hapla, a maritime town. 4. Weissenstein, on the rivulet Saida, about 80 versts from Revel. 5. Wefenberg, about 100 versts from Revel, at about an equal distance from that town and Narva.