a town in North America, and capital of the state of Virginia; it is delightfully situated on the north side of James's river at the falls. Vessels of 125 tons come up within a mile of the town, and the boat navigation is continued round the falls by two canals, and to a great distance farther up the river. In 1817 this town contained 13,000 inhabitants, nearly half of whom were negroes. The capital, or building where the legislature meets, is one of the handsomest structures in America. Many of the private houses also are elegant, but rents are very high and provisions dear. The trade of this place is considerable in tobacco and flour; of the former the annual exports were estimated in 1817 at 25,000 hogsheads; and of the latter at 200,000 barrels. W. Long. 77. 40. N. Lat. 37. 28.