one of the Caribbee islands, in the West Indies, about 29 miles long and 16 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 contains many fertile valleys interspersed among high and rugged mountains, some of which are volcanic. It abounds in forests, and has several hot springs. The value of its imports in 1809 was 161,201l. and of its imports 315,584l. The population in 1805 consisted of 1,594 whites, 2,822 free persons of colour, and 22,083 slaves.

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 2,000 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. DOMINICA 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 calendar.