(Captain Charles), a celebrated English navigator, was bred up in the navy from his youth; and was present in several actions during the war of 1755. In that between the Bellona and Courageux he was in great danger; for having been stationed in the mizen-top on board the former, the mast was carried overboard by a shot, and he fell into the sea along with it: but, however, was taken up without having received any injury. When Commodore Byron made his first voyage round the world, Mr Clerke served on board his ship in quality of a midshipman; and was afterwards on the American station. In the year 1768, he sailed round the world a second time in the Endeavour, on board of which he served in the station of master's mate; but, during the voyage, succeeded to a lieutenantcy. He returned in 1775, and was soon after appointed master and commander. When Captain Cook undertook his last voyage, Mr Clerke was appointed Captain of the Discovery; and in consequence of the death of Captain Cook, naturally succeeded to the supreme command. He did not, however, long enjoy his new dignity. Before his departure from England, he had manifest symptoms of a consumption. Of this disease he lingered during the whole of the voyage; and his long residence in the cold northern climates cut off all hopes of recovery: but though sensible that the only chance he had of prolonging his life was by a speedy return to a warmer climate, his attention to his duty was so great, that he persevered in search of a passage between the Asiatic and American continents until every one of the officers was of opinion that it was impracticable. He bore his distemper with great firmness and equanimity, retaining a good flow of spirits to the last; and died on the 22d of August 1778, in the 38th year of his age, the ship being then within view of the coast of Kamtchatka.

CLERKE's Island lies on the western side of the American continent, in N. Lat. 63. 15. and E. Long. 190. 30. It was discovered by Captain Cook in his last voyage, but a landing could not be effected. At a distance it appeared to be of considerable extent, and to have several hills connected with the low grounds in such a manner as to make it look like a group of islands. Near its eastern extremity is a little island remarkable for having three elevated rocks upon it. Both the large and small island are uninhabited.