the metropolis of South Carolina, is the most considerable town in the state; situated in the district of the same name, and on the tongue of land formed by the confluent streams of Ashley and Cooper, which are short rivers, but large and navigable. These waters unite immediately below the city, and form a spacious and convenient harbour; which communicates with the ocean just below Sullivan's island, which it leaves on the north, seven miles south-east of Charleston. In these rivers the tide rises, in common, about 6½ feet; but uniformly rises 10 or 12 inches more during a night tide. The fact is certain; the cause unknown. The continual agitation which the tides occasion in the waters which almost surround Charleston, the refreshing sea-breezes which are regularly felt, and the smoke arising from so many chimneys, render this city more healthy than any part of the low country in the southern states. On this account it is the resort of great numbers of gentlemen, invalids from the West India islands, and of the rich planters from the country, who come here to spend the sickly months, as they are called, in quest of health and of the social enjoyments which the city affords. And in no part of America are the social blessings enjoyed more rationally and liberally than here. Unaffected hospitality, affability, ease of manners and address, and a disposition to make their guests welcome, easy, and pleased with themselves, are characteristics of the respectable people of Charleston. In speaking of the capital, it ought to be observed, for the honour of the people of Carolina in general, that when in common with the other colonies, in the contest with Britain, they resolved against the use of certain luxuries, and even necessaries of life; those articles, which improve the mind, enlarge the understanding, and correct the taste, were excepted; the importation of books was permitted as formerly.

The land on which the town is built is flat and low, and the water brackish and unwholesome. The streets are pretty regularly cut, and open beautiful prospects, and have subterranean drains to carry off filth and keep the city clean and healthy; but are too narrow for so large a place and so warm a climate. Their general breadth is from 35 to 66 feet. The houses which have been lately built, are brick, with tiled roofs. The buildings in general are elegant, and most of them are neat, airy, and well furnished. The public buildings are, an exchange, a state-house, an armory, a poor-house, and an orphan's house. Here are several respectable academies. Part of the old barracks has been handsomely fitted up, and converted into a college, and there are a number of students; but it can only be called as yet a respectable academy. Here are two banks, a branch of the national bank, and the South Carolina bank, established in 1792. The houses for public worship are two Episcopal churches, two for Independents, one for Scotch Presbyterians, one for Baptists, one for German Lutherans, two for Methodists, one for French Protestants, a meeting-house for Quakers, a Roman Catholic chapel, and a Jewish synagogue.

Little attention is paid to the public markets; a great proportion of the more wealthy inhabitants having plantations from which they receive supplies of almost every article of living. The country abounds Charleston with poultry and wild ducks. Their beef, mutton and veal are not generally of the best kind; and few fish are found in the market.

In 1787, it was computed that there were 1600 houses in this city, and 15,000 inhabitants, including 5400 slaves; and what evinces the healthiness of the place, upwards of 200 of the white inhabitants were above 60 years of age. In 1791, there were 16,359 inhabitants, of whom 7684 were slaves. This city has often suffered much by fire: the last and most destructive happened as late as June 1796.

Charleston was incorporated in 1783, and divided into three wards, which choose as many wardens, from among whom the citizens elect an intendant of the city. The intendant and wardens form the city-council, who have power to make and enforce bye-laws for the regulation of the city.

The value of exports from this port, in the year ending November 1787, amounted to £55,278.19s. 3d. sterling. The number of vessels cleared from the customhouse the same year, was 947, measuring 62,118 tons; 735 of these, measuring 41,531 tons, were American; the others belonged to Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, France, and the United Netherlands.

Charles's Wain, in Astronomy, seven stars in the constellation called Ursae Majoris, or the Great Bear.