While wintering in Japanese waters she was assigned to assist the telegraph enterprise, and reported as soon as possible at Petropavlovsk; but the only service demanded was to proceed to the mouth of the Amoor by way of Ghijiga and Ohotsk.
The officers of the Variag were, a captain, a commander, four lieutenants, six sub-lieutenants, an officer of marines with a cadet, a lieutenant of naval artillery, two sailing masters, two engineers, a surgeon, a paymaster, and a priest.

As near as I could ascertain, their pay, including allowances, was about three-fourths that of American officers of similar grades.

They received three times as much at sea as when awaiting orders, and this fact led them to seek constant service.

In the ward room they read, wrote, talked, smoked, and could play any games of amusement except cards.

Card playing is strictly forbidden by the Russian naval regulations.
The sailors on the corvette were robust and powerful fellows, with appetites to frighten a hotel keeper.