MANAGEMENT OF SHIPS. 106 



C. Signals. 



For communication between ships at sea from a distance beyond the range 

 of the speaking trumpet, or for private interchange of notices, advice, 

 questions, or orders even within that range, a system of signals has been 

 devised which is equally simple and perfect. It consists of ten different 

 small flags of easily distinguishable colors and designs. Each of these flags 

 has the value of a figure, the ten representing 1-9 and 0. With these flags 

 any number can be expressed, they being drawn up at the mast head one 

 above the other, the lowest representing units, the next tens, the third 

 hundreds, and the uppermost thousands. The necessity of quickly changing 

 signals prevents the use at the mast head of more than four number-flags 

 at a time, as a greater number would easily get entangled in the rigging, 

 and would also occupy so much room as to hide the lower flag behind the 

 upper sails. The number of signals is therefore limited to 9999. In 

 order to do away with the restraint of this limit, however, the system has 

 been enlarged by introducing small pennants of various descriptions above 

 the number-flags, giving to the numbers shown under each of the pennants 

 a different signification. As an example we will suppose a white pennant 

 over the number-flags to have been adopted for general orders and a red 

 one for inquiries of all kinds. The number 1357 under a white pennant 

 would then perhaps convey the order " Prepare for action," whilst the 

 same number under a red pennant is perhaps the question, " Is there any 

 ice in these parts ?" It is evident that this method admits of an unlimited 

 number of communications. The value of the numbers is preconcerted and 

 recorded in signal-books which are kept on board of every ship belonging 

 to the same fleet or nation. Besides those signal-books that are published 

 and therefore accessible to everybody there are also private signals given 

 under special pennants, or in a special place of the rigging, the import of 

 which is only known to the first and second in command, and which are 

 recorded in the private signal-books, of which there are two kinds ; the one 

 adopted for all cases of secret communication between the higher officers of 

 a fleet ; the other prepared for a specific occasion and only referring to the 

 emergencies of that one expedition. In time of action' all orders of moment 

 emanate from the admiral's vessel, which mostly occupies the centre of the 

 line of battle. In order that the signals given by the admiral may be at 

 once known to the whole fleet, repeating frigates are stationed in the rear 

 of the line, whose duty it is to repeat the signals of the admiral as fast as 

 they appear, the positions of these frigates being so taken that all the vessels 

 of the line can see one or the other. 



In the merchant service the same system is adopted for the exchange 

 of names, destination, position, (fee, and a very extensive series of questions 

 and answers relating to marine affairs has been prepared and published in a 

 signal-book by Captain Marryat, which is now found on board of nearly 

 every merchant vessel. 



For communications at night a similar system of signals has been adopted 

 consisting of lanterns of various colors and displayed in various combinations 



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