THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 243, 28 February 1855, Page 7

THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC.

As the 'Stirring' events which have recently occurred in the Northern Pacific are certain to draw tbe immediate attention of Europe to a: quarter of the world but very imperfectly known ; and as England and France, will no doubt, deem it incumbent immediately to send out an naval force adequate to avenge the reverse their arms have sustained, as well as to put a stop to the insidious arid universal encroachments of Russia, we' have transferred, from the pages of ouv Sydney contemporaries, the following additional particulars respecting the conflict itself, as well as of the country where it took place. "Petropolovski, in Kamtschatka, was very little known until Captain Cook's expedition dated it in April, 1779 ; at which time the English and French were at war. It is situated nearAwatska Bay, and was then represented as having only a few miserable log-houses and conical huts, about 30 in number. Oh landing, the expedition party were received by a company of soldiers (consisting of 300) arid were conducted to the village, and entertained at the residence of the commanding officer (a sergeant).; The .'.xj'om mander of Kamtschatka resided at Bolehertsk, about 135 miles from Petropolovski; hevwas generous and hospitable. Provisions were very scarce at this time, and exorbitant prices were demanded for them. Fish, consisting of flat fish, cod, trout, and herring, were supplied in great quantities to the ships. The expedition.again visited Petropolovski in Aug., 1779. Captain Clarke died there on the 22nd, and according to his own request was buried in the church of Paratouna. He was midshipman in the:'- Dolphin," commanded by Comrinodore Byron, in his first voyage rauud the world ; he made his second voyage in 1768 in the"Endeavour .';" his third in the "Resolution," as 2nd lieutenant. In 1775 he was promoted to the rank of master, arid at the death of Captain Cook succeeded as commander. An inscription to the memory of Captain Clarke was put up in the church of ravatouna, with his age, rank, and the object of the expedition. Kamtschatka, which was discovered -Se conquered by the Russians about the year 1700, at the present time contains about 6000 inhabitants. The country is a flat surface, excepting at. the south point, which is covered with detached volcanic mountains, some of which rise to a great height. Tbe climate is very severe, the winter laßting nine months in the year, and frost isnot uncoriiirion even in summer; piercing winds and thick fogs are very prevalent. The population principally subsist by hunting and fishing. Their export goods consist of fox, sable, and other skins, whale oil, eggs, and fish. Their principal trade is carried on with Okhotsk, whence grain,' sugar, &c., are imported. The natives are represented to be of low stature, stout in the shoulders, dark lank hair, sunken eyes, and prominent cheek bones. From the manner in which Petropolovski was defended it must be pretty well fortified, but as a strong force of the allied fleets are again to attack it we shall no doubt soon hear of its capture.