one of the Caribbee islands, in the West Indies, about 39 miles long and 13 broad, situated between 61° and 62° W. Long. and between 15° and 16° of N. Lat. This island formerly belonged to the French, but was ceded to Britain by the treaty in 1763. It is very advantageous to the latter, as being situated between the French islands of Guadaloupe and Martinico, so that it is equally alarming to both; and its safe and commodious roads enable the British privateers to intercept, without risk, the navigation of France in her colonies, whenever a war happens between the two nations.

This island was reduced, in the year 1778, by the French, under the marquis de Bouille, governor of Martinico. At that time the island, though very well fortified, had been unaccountably neglected by the British government, in such a manner as to be almost entirely destitute of a garrison. The French commander, therefore, who made a descent with 2000 men, found only 100 regular forces and a few companies of militia to oppose him. All resistance therefore being vain, the only thing the garrison could do was to procure as favourable terms of capitulation as possible. These were granted with such readiness as did great honour to the character of this officer; the inhabitants experiencing no kind of change except that of transferring their obedience from Britain to France, being left unmolested in the enjoyment of all their rights both both civil and religious. The capitulation was strictly observed by the marquis; no plunder or irregularity being allowed, and a pecuniary gratification being distributed among the soldiers and volunteers who accompanied him in the expedition. An hundred and sixty-four pieces of excellent cannon, and twenty-four brass mortars, besides a large quantity of military stores, were found in the place; insomuch that the French themselves expressed their surprise at finding so few hands to make use of them. The marquis, however, took care to supply this defect, by leaving a garrison of 1500 of the best men he had with him. It was restored to Britain at the conclusion of the peace in 1783.

La DOMINICA, one of the MARQUESAS islands in the South sea.

DOMINICAL LETTER, popularly called Sunday Letter, one of the seven letters A B C D E F G, used in almanacks, ephemerides, &c. to denote the Sundays throughout the year. See CHRONOLOGY, No 32. The word is formed from dominica or dominicus dies, "Lord's day, Sunday."

The dominical letters were introduced in the calendar by the primitive Christians in lieu of the NUNDINAL letters in the Roman kalendar.