SIGNALS FOR THE AMERICAN FLEET BY DAY.
"For chasing: For the whole fleet to chase, a red pennant at the foretopmast head." We have already said that, since the time of the Romans, a red flag has been the signal to prepare for battle.
"For seeing a strange vessel: Hoist the ensign, and lower and hoist it as many times as you see vessels, allowing two minutes between each time."
Supposing this ensign to be a Union flag, observe the similarity between this signal and that for the lighthouse and castle in Boston Harbor in 1720; "the lighthouse," as we have already stated, "in time of war makes a signal to the castle, and the castle to the town, by hoisting and lowering the Union flag so many times as there are ships approaching."
"For the Providence to chase: A St. George's ensign with stripes at the mizzen peak."
"For a general attack, or the whole fleet to engage, the standard at the maintopmast head, with the striped Jack and ensign at their proper places."
Now let us look at some of the descriptions of the colors of this fleet, both by American and British writers.
SAILING OF THE FIRST AMERICAN FLEET.
"Newbern, North Carolina, February 9, 1776.
"By a gentleman from Philadelphia, we have received the pleasing account of the actual sailing from that place of the first American fleet that ever swelled their sails on the Western Ocean, &c.