"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.
"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.
"This fleet consists of five sail, fitted out from Philadelphia, which are to be joined at the capes of Virginia by two more ships from Maryland, and is commanded by Admiral Hopkins, a most experienced and venerable sea captain."
"They sailed from Philadelphia amidst the acclamations of thousands assembled on the joyful occasion, under the display of a Union flag, with thirteen stripes in the field, emblematical of the thirteen United Colonies."[52]
[52] American Archives, 4th series, vol. iv. p. 965.
And the following extract from a letter, dated New Providence, West Indies, of which Island Admiral Hopkins took prisoner the governor, &c.[53]
This letter was kindly furnished by Colonel Peter Force, editor of the _American Archives_, and may be found in the _London Ladies' Magazine_, vol. vii. July 1776, p. 390.
"The colors of the American fleet were striped under the _Union_, with thirteen strokes, called the United Colonies, and their standard, a rattlesnake; motto--'Don't tread on me.'"
The following extract was furnished by the same gentleman, to whom I cannot too warmly return my thanks for the facilities and assistance he has afforded me.