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In the established Systems, the significations of the Signals cannot readily, nor indeed without much care and trouble, be varied, however urgent the necessity : neither is there to be found in our books for the general convenience, a well planned index for reference to every Signal making, or to be made, in the respective codes for Flat and Private Ships.
Exposed as our Fleets thus are, to be worsted in the midst of their fairest prospects, through so discouraging a neglect, for which no excuse is admissible, a speedy remedy is absolutely necessary, and none will be specific, short of an entire New and Competent System of Signals.
Urged by the necessity, and convinced of the propriety, a very humble individual will shortly offer what he conceives to be such a System, which he has been some years in planning and perfecting - and should it, after all, have no other merit than that of hastening the production of a better, it will afford him the grateful reflection, that his endeavors to serve his country have not been altogether fruitless.
It was in the course of our last war, that the consideration of the defects and inconveniences above stated, gave rise to the idea of forming a more complete System of Signals - which was realized, leisurely, within a few years after ; from that period, until lately, this System was laid aside, but it has just been revised and improved - and it would, perhaps, be Criminal to with-hold it any longer from the Nation ; because, were it even to be much excelled hereafter, it is at present greatly preferable to All others that we have any knowledge of, and may, consequently, be in the mean-time highly advantageous to the Service. It shall, therefore, very soon be presented ; and this notice of the intention is given, in case other Systems are preparing, and in sufficient forwardness, that they also may be announced and accelerated - the honor and interest of the country requiring a speedy adoption of such as, on due examination, shall prove the most perfect.
That a general judgment may be formed, as to whether the assertions, in favor of this New System are founded - some account of it is here subjoined - that it may be compared and contrasted with out established Systems - and also with those of Spain and France, which are accounted, and unquestionably are, the best now in practice.
The New System - has none of the defects complained of in the Old Systems.
The Flags are fewer - and so strikingly distinct, that neither of them can be mistaken for another.
With these Flags - upwards of Three Thousand Signals can be made from One Mast Head, or any other pa[rt ?] without any restriction, or ever using more than Two Flags at one time, for any Signal.
With these Flags - each of the Squadrons, and of the Ships that compose them, their Officers, their Boats &c. may severally or jointly be directed, addressed, or called.
With these Flags singly - All the Battle Signals may be made.
With these Flags - Commanding Officers, have a distinct Code of Signals to themselves.
With these Flags - the meaning of each Signal may be varied ten times in the hour, with great facility, and without risk of causing the slightest confusion.
Private Ships are also accommodated in this System - they may make All their Signals from Mast Heads, without being restricted to them, with one half the number of Flags employed at present, without using more than Two to make any Signal, and without any Pendant.
Pendants are altogether unnecessary in this System, and therefore All the Signals in it, will be equally visible, and at a much greater distance, than when Pendants constitute a part of them. However, in case any Commander should think proper to use Pendants for Ships Signals, a set of them are appropriated for the purpose, which will be found in general more distinct and conspicuous, than those that are used in the Old System, which are fourteen or fifteen in number, because their being reduced to no more than six, in this System, and the colours being less various and plainer, they are less liable to be mistaken, especially as they may all be shewn from the Mast Heads, though not confined to them, and they will also serve to call the Captain, Lieutenant, or Midshipman of any Ship, in the largest Fleet, without any addition of Jack or Flag.
The Night Signals in this System, are much simplified, they are All to be made with Lights only (and when the Weather renders them insufficient, Fog Signals are as formerly, to be substituted) without any more than Five, being ever used to make any of the Signals, even in the Day Codes. - The Lights will, in all cases, be shewn from such part, as will render them most conspicuous, in a more secure way, and so distinctly, that it will be impossible to mistake them as heretofore ; Commanders will in future be able to signify their orders to any particular Squadron, Ship, or Officer under them, and in short, to employ Night Signals, as readily and effectually as Day Signals.