INSTRUCTIONS Made by the Right Honourable EDWARD RUSSEL, Admiral, In the Year 1691.

For the better Ordering the FLEET in Sailing by Day and Night, and in Fighting.

SIGNALS To be Observed In Anchoring, at an Anchor, and in Weigh­ing Anchor, in the Day-time.

1 INSTR. I.WHEN the Admiral in the Day-time would have the Fleet prepare to Anchor, he will hoist an Ensign strip'd Red, White, and Blue, on the Ensign-staff, and fire a Gun; then every Flag-ship in the Fleet is to make the same Signal.

2 II.When the Admiral will have the Fleet to Moore in the Day-time, he will fire one Gun, and hoist his Mizen-top-sail, with the Clew-lines hawled up.

3 III.When the Admiral will have the Fleet to Cut, or Slip, by Day, he will fire two Guns, and loose both his Top-sails; and then the Leeward-most Ships are to Cut or Slip first, to give room for the Weather-most to come to Sail.

4 IV.When the Admiral would have any particular Ship to Cut, or Slip, in the Day, and Chase to Windward, he will make the Signal for Speaking with the Captain of that Ship that he would have give Chase, hoist a Red Flag in the Mizen-shrowds, and fire a Gun.

5 V.When the Admiral would have any particular Ship to Cut or Slip in the Day-time, and chase to Leeward, he will make the Signal for Speaking with the Captain of that Ship he would have give Chase, hoist a Blue Flag in the Mizen-shrowds, and fire a Gun.

6 VI.When the Admiral would have them leave off Chasing, and return to the Fleet, or would have all the Scouts in sight of the Fleet come and speak with him, he'l hoist a White Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun.

7 VII.When the Fleet is at Anchor, the two Ships that lead the Fleet are to examine all strange Ships, before they suffer them to come into the Fleet, and not permit any Stranger to come to the Ad­miral before he is examined; but if the Fleet lie in the open Sea at Anchor, and a strange Ship approach into the Body of it, then the Ship next to him is to examine the Stranger, and make a Re­port to the Admiral.

8 VIII.When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Unmoore in the Day, he will loose the Main-top-sail, and fire a Gun.

9 IX.When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Weigh in the Day, he will loose his Fore-top-sail, and fire a Gun; and then every Ship in the Fleet is to get to Sail as soon as they can.

SIGNALS To be Observed In Anchoring, at an Anchor, and in Weigh­ing Anchor, in the Night.

1 INSTR. I. WHEN the Admiral chanceth to Anchor in the Night, he will fire two Guns, a small space of Time one from the other; which are to be answered by every Flag-ship in the Fleet; and every private Ship is to shew two Lights.

2 II. When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Moore in the Night, he will put a Light on each Top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; which is to be answered by the Flag-ships in the Fleet; and every private Ship is to shew one Light.

3 III. When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Cut or Slip in the Night, he will hang out four Lights, one at each Main-yard-arm, and one at each Fore-yard-arm, and fire two Guns; which are to be answered by the Flag-ships in the Fleet; and every private Ship is to shew one Light.

4 IV.

  • 1. The Admiral who commands the Fleet, three Lights on the Poop, and on on the Main-top.
  • 2. The Vice-Admiral, or he who has the Second Post, two on his Poop, and one on his Main-top.
  • [Page 5]3. The Rear-Admiral, or he who has the Third Post, one on his Main-top, and one on his Poop.
  • 4. The Vice-Admiral of each Squadron, two on his Poop.
  • 5. The Rear-Admiral of each Squadron, one on his Poop; but when the whole Fleet carry their Lights, then the Rear-Admiral of each Squadron is to carry two Lights, the one hoisted a Yard above the other on the Ensign-staff.
  • 6. In case of foul Weather, and a dark Night, each Ship is to carry a Light.

5 V. When any Ship shall be discover'd coming into the Fleet in the Night, the Ship that is next to her shall endeavour to speak with her, and bring her to an Anchor, and not suffer her to pass through the Fleet; but in case any one discovers a Fleet in the Night, and it blows so hard, that he cannot come to give the Admiral timely Notice, he is to hang a great number of Lights out, and to con­tinue firing, Gun after Gun, till the Admiral answers him with one.

6 VI. When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Unmoore in the Night, and ride short, he will hang out three Lights one over another in the Main-top-mast Shrowds, over the constant Light in the Main-top, and fire two Guns; which are to be answer'd by the Flag-ships in the Fleet; and every private Ship is to hang a Light in the Mizen Shrowds.

7 VII. When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Weigh in the Night, he will hang a Light in the Main-top-mast Shrowds, and fire a Gun; which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships in the Fleet; and every private Ship is to hang a Light in his Mizen-shrowds.

8 VIII. When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Lower their Yards and Top-masts in the Night, he will Hoist one Light upon his Ensign-staff, and fire one Gun; which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships of the Fleet; and every private Ship to answer with one Light.

9 IX. When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Hoist their Yards and Top-masts in the Night, he will put abroad two Lights one under the other in the Mizen-top-mast Shrowds, and fire one Gun; which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships of the Fleet; and every private Ship to have one Light in their Mizen Shrowds.

SIGNALS To be Observed In Sailing by DAY.

1 INSTR. I. WHEN the Admiral would have the Sternmost and Lee­wardmost Ships to Tack first, he will hoist an Union Flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; and every Flag-ship in the Fleet is to answer with the same Signal.

2 II. When the Admiral would have the Weathermost and Head­most Ships in the Fleet to Tack first, he will hoist an Union Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; and eve­ry Flag-ship in the Fleet is to answer with the same Signal.

3 III. When the Admiral would have the Fleet (in bad Weather that they cannot stay) Weare, and bring to the other Tack, he will hoist a Pendant on the Ensign-staff, and fire a Gun; and then the Lee­wardmost and Sternmost Ships are to Weare first, and bring to the other Tack, and lie by, or go with an easie Sail, which they see most convenient, till the Admiral comes a-head; and every Flag-ship in the Fleet is to answer with the same Signal.

4 IV. When the Fleet is lying by, or sailing by the Wind, and the Ad­miral will have them bear up, and sail before the Wind, he will hoist his Ensign, and fire a Gun; (which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships of the Fleet,) and then the Leewardmost Ships are first to bear up, to give room for the Weathermost to Weare, and sail before the Wind with an easie sail, till the Admiral come a-head; but if it should happen, (when the Admiral has occasion to Weare, and sail before the Wind,) that the Jack and Ensign be abroad, he will hawl down the Jack before he fires the Gun to Weare, and keep it down till all the Fleet is before the Wind.

5 V. When the Fleet is sailing before the Wind, and the Admiral would have them bring too, with the Starboard Tack on board, he will hoist a Red Flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun: If to bring too with the Larboard Tack, a Blue Flag on the same place, and fire a Gun; and every Flag-ship is to answer with the same Signal.

6 VI. When any of the Fleet lose Company, and meet again in the Day, those to Windward shall [...] and those to Leeward shall answer [...]

7 VII. When the Admiral would have any Ship in the Fleet to Chase to Windward, he will make the Signal for speaking with the Captain, and hoist a Red Flag in the Mizen-shrowds: If to Chase to Leeward, a Blue Flag: And when he would have them give over Chasing, he will hoist a White Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun.

8 VIII. When any one (in the Day-time) happeneth to see a Ship, or Ships, more than His Majesty's Fleet, he is to put abroad his En­sign, and there keep it till the Admiral's is out, and then to strike it as often as he seeth Ships, and to stand with them, that so the Admiral may know which way they are, and how many; but in case they be at such a distance that the Ensign cannot be well discover'd, then he is to lay his Head towards the Ships, or Fleet, which he so de­scries, and to brawl up his low Sails, and continue hoisting and lower­ing his Top-sails, and making a Weft with his Top-gallant-sails

9 IX. In case of springing a Leak by Day, or any other Disaster that disables your Ship from keeping Company, you are to hawl up your Courses, and fire two Guns.

10 X. Whosoever desires to speak with the Admiral must spread an English Ensign from the Head of his Main or Fore-top-mast downward on the Shrouds, lowering his Main or Fore-top-sail, and firing Guns, till he is observ'd by the Admiral, who will an­swer by firing one Gun.

11 XI. When the Admiral would have the Vice-Admiral, or he that Commands in the Second Post of the Fleet, to send out Ships to Chase, he will hoist a Flag strip'd Red and White on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun.

12 XII. When the Admiral would have the Rear-Admiral, or he that Commands in the Third Post in the Fleet, to send out Ships to Chase, he will hoist a Flag strip'd Red and White on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun.

13 XIII. When any discovers Land in the Day, he is to hoist his Jack and Ensign, and keep it abroad till the Admiral answer him by hoisting his; upon sight of which, he is to Hawl down his Ensign.

14 XIV. If any discovers Danger in the Day-time, he is to Tack, or bear up from it, and put a Jack abroad from the Main-top-mast Cross-Trees downward on the Back-stay, and fire two Guns; but if that Ship should strike, and stick fast on that Danger, he is to make the same Signal with his Jack, and continue firing of Guns, until he sees all the Ships in the Fleet have observed him, by endeavouring to avoid the Danger.

SIGNALS To be Observed In Sailing by NIGHT.

1 INSTR. I.WHEN the Admiral would have the Fleet to Tack in the Night, he will hoist two Lights on the Ensign-staff, one over the other, above the constant Light in the Poop, and fire a Gun; which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships of the Fleet; and every Ship in the Fleet is to hang out a Light extraordinary, which is not to be taken in, till the Admiral takes his in: After the Sig­nal is made, the Leewardmost and Sternmost Ships are to Tack as fast as they can; and the Sternmost Flag-ship, after he is about upon the other Tack, is to lead the Fleet, whom they are to fol­low, to avoid running through one another in the Night.

2 II.When the Admiral would have the Fleet (in blowing Weather) to lie a-trey, short, or a-hull, or the Head-sails brac'd to the Mast, in the Night, he will shew four Lights of equal height, and fire two Guns; which are to be answer'd by the Flag-ships in the Fleet; and every Ship in the Fleet is to shew four Lights.

3 III.When the Admiral would have the Fleet to make Sail in the Night, after lying a-trey, short, a-hull, or the Head-sails to the Mast, he [Page 9] will put out three Lights one over the other in the Main-shrowds, and fire two Guns; which are to be answer'd by the Flag-ships in the Fleet; and every Ship in the Fleet is to hang out three Lights, and not to take them in till the Admiral takes in his.

4 IV.When any Ship has occasion to lye short, or by, after the Fleet has made sail, he is to fire one Gun, and shew three Lights in the Mizen-shrowds.

5 V.If any Ship lose Company, and meet again in the Night, he who hails first shall ask, What Ship's that? And he who is hail'd shall answer, [...] The other who hail'd first shall reply, [...] Then he who was first hail'd shall an­swer [...]

6 VI.When any discovers a Fleet in the Night, he shall fire Guns, make false Fires, put a Light on the Main-top, three on the Poop, and steer after them, and continue firing Guns; But if the Admi­ral should steer another Course, and fire one, two, or three Guns, (which is to call him off,) then he his to follow the Admiral.

7 VII.In case of Springing a Leak by Night, or any other disaster that disables your Ship from keeping Company, you are to hang out two Lights of equal height, and fire Guns till you are reliev'd by some Ship in the Fleet.

8 VIII.If the Admiral alter his Course in the Night, he will fire one Gun, (without alteration of Lights;) which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships in the Fleet.

9 IX.When any one discovers Land, or Danger, in the Night, he who first discovers it, is to shew as many Lights as he can, and fire one Gun, and Tack, or bear away from it.

10 X. When the Fleet is sailing Large, or before the Wind, in the Night, and the Admiral would have them bring too, and lie by, with their Starboard Tacks on Board, he will put abroad four Lights in the Fore-shrowds, and fire six Guns; but if with the Larboard Tacks, eight Guns; which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships of the Fleet; and every private Ship is to answer with four Lights, (it being the same that is in the fourth Article for bringing too in a Fog,) and the Windermost Ships are to bring too first.

11 XI.When the Admiral is upon a Wind in the Night, and would have the Fleet Weare, and bring too on the other Tack, he will hoist up one Light at the Mizen-Peek, and fire three Guns; which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships of the Fleet; and every private Ship to answer with one Light at the Mizen-Peek: The Stern-most and Leeward-most Ships are to bear up as soon as the Sig­nal is made.

INSTRUCTIONS To be Observed By Younger CAPTAINS To the ELDER.

1 INSTR. I.THE Flag-ships are to pay a due Respect to the Senior Flags, and not to go to Windward of him or them, but upon necessary Occasions; and every private Ship in the Fleet is to ob­serve the same to the Flag-ships, or their Commander in Chief.

2 II.When two Ships of the same Rank are sailing on the same Tack, or on contrary Tacks, and there is a Necessity for one of them to bear up to the other, he that can with the most Convenience bear up, is to do it; but if it be equally convenient to both of them, then the Younger Captain shall bear up for the Elder.

3 III.When two Ships of different Rank are sailing on the same Tack, or on co [...]t [...]ary Tacks, and there's a Necessity for one of them to bear up for the other, the Ship that can with the most Convenience bear up, is to do it; but if it be equally convenient to both of them, the smaller Rank is to bear up for the greater, altho the Ship of the small Rank be Commanded by the Elder Captain.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR Sailing in a FOG.

1 INSTR. I.IF it grow thick and foggy Weather, the Admiral will continue sailing with the same Sail set that he had before it grew foggy, and will fire every Hour a Gun; which is to be answered by the Flag-ships in the Fleet; and the private Ships are to answer by firing of Musquets, beating of Drums, or ringing of Bells.

2 II.If the Admiral is necessitated to make more or less Sail than he had when the Fog came up, he will fire every Half Hour a Gun, that the Fleet may thereby discern, whether they come up with the Admiral, or fall a-stern of him; which is to be answered by eve­ry Flag-ship in the Fleet; and the private Ships are to answer by firing of Musquets, beating of Drums, or ringing their Bells.

3 III.If the Admiral would have the Fleet to Tack in a Fog, he will fire Four Guns; which are to be answered by every Flag-ship in the Fleet; then the Leewardmost and Sternmost Ships are to Tack first, and after they are about to go with the same Sail they Tack'd with, and not to lie by, expecting the Admiral to come A-head; which is to avoid the Danger of running through one another in thick Weather.

4 IV. If the Admiral think fit to bring too, and lie by with his Head-sails to the Mast in a Fog, with the Starboard Tack aboard, he will fire six Guns; if with the Larboard Tack aboard, eight Guns; [...]hich are to be answered by every Flag-ship in the Fleet.

5 V.When the Admiral makes sail in a Fog, after lying with his Head-sails to the Mast, he will fire two Guns; which are to be answered by every Flag-ship in the Fleet; and then the Head-most and Weathermost Ships are to make Sail first.

6 VI.When the Admiral would have the Fleet to Anchor in a Fog, he will fire two Guns; which are to be answered by every Flag-ship in the Fleet; and lest there should be Ships so far a-stern, that they could not hear the Flag-ships Guns when they answered, the Admiral will fire two Guns more after he has been half an hour at Anchor; which are to be answered by every Flag-ship in the Fleet.

7 VII.When the Admiral would have the Fleet to weigh in a Fog, he will fire ten Guns; which are to be answered by every Flag-ship in the Fleet.

You are to observe, That the Guns which you fire for Signals in a Fog, be all fired on the same side, that they may make no Alteration in the Sound.

8 VIII.If any one discover Danger in a Fog, which he can avoid by Tacking and Standing from it, he is to make the Signal for Tack­ing in a Fog; but if he should chance to strike and stick fast, he is to fire Gun after Gun, till he believes His Majesty's Fleet have avoided the Danger, either by Tacking, Bearing up, or An­choring.

SIGNALS FOR CALLING The Flag-Officers, and other Officers, on Board the ADMIRAL.

1 INSTR. I.AS soon as the Admiral shall put abroad an Union Flag in the Mizen-shrowds, and fire a Gun, all the Captains in the Fleet are to come aboard the Admiral's Ship. If the same Signal, and a Weft with the Ensign, a Lieutenant of each Ship is to come on Board.

2 II.If an Ensign be put abroad in the same place, all the Masters of the Ships of War belonging to the Fleet are to come aboard the Admiral.

3 III.When the Admiral hoisteth a Standard on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fires a Gun, all the Flag-Officers in the Fleet are to come aboard him.

4 IV.When the Admiral hoisteth a Red Flag in the Mizen-shrowds, all the Captains of his own Squadron are to come aboard him. If the same Signal, and a Weft with the Ensign, a Lieutenant of each of the Ships in the said Squadron is to come on Board.

5 V. When a White Flag is hoisted in the Mizen-shrowds, the Vice-Admiral, or he that Commands in the Second Post, and all the Captains of his Squadron are to come aboard the Admiral.

6 VI.When a blue Flag is hoisted in the Mizen-shrowds, and a Gun fired, then the Rear Admiral, or he that Commands in the Third Post of the Fleet, and all the Captains of his Squadron, are to come aboard the Admiral. If the same Signal, and a Weft with the Ensign, a Lieutenant of each of the Ships in the said Squadron is to come on Board.

7 VII.When a Standard is hoisted on the Ensign-staff, and a Gun fired, the Vice and Rear-Admirals of the Fleet, or those that Command in the Second or Third Posts of the Fleet, are to come aboard the Admiral.

8 VIII.When the Admiral would speak with the Captains of his own Division, he will hoist a Pendant on the Mizen-peek, and fire a Gun. If with a Lieutenant of each Ship in the same Division, the same Signal, and a Weft with his Ensign.

9 IX.When the Admiral would speak with the Lieutenant of any par­ticular Ship, he will make the Signal for speaking with the Captain of that Ship, and make a Weft with his Ensign.

10 X.When the Admiral would have all the Tenders in the Fleet come under his Stern, and speak with him, he will hoist a Flag striped Yellow and White, at the Mizen-peek, and fire a Gun.

11 XI.When the Admiral would speak with any particular Ship's Ten­der, he will make the Signal for speaking with the Captain of the Ship she attends on, and a Weft with his Jack.

12 XII. When the Admiral would have all the Pinnaces and Barges in the Fleet to come on board him Mann'd and Arm'd, he will hoist a Pendant on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; and if he would have them Chase, he will make the same Signal and send his Boat a Chasing.

13 XIII.When the Admiral would have all the Long-boats in the Fleet come on board him Mann'd and Arm'd, he will hoist a Pendant on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; and if he would have them Chase, he will make the same Signal and send his Boat a Chasing.

14 XIV.When the Admiral would have all the Boats in the Fleet come on Board him Mann'd and Arm'd, he will hoist a Pendant on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and another on the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fire one Gun; and if he would have them Chase, he will make the same Signal, and send his Boats a Chasing.

15 XV.Every Captain in the Fleet that has a Tender, is required to give the Master of her his General and Particular Signals from the Admiral.

16 XVI.Before the Admiral sends any Hospital Ship out of the Fleet with Sick Men, That Ship shall make a Signal, by spreading an Ensign on the Main-top-mast-back-stay from the Head of the Mast downwards.

17 XVII.When the Admiral would speak with the Victualler, or his Agent, he will put an English Ensign in the Mizen-top-mast-shrowds.

18 XVIII.When the Admiral would speak with the Officer that has Charge of the Gunner's Stores, he will spread and Ensign at his Main-top-sail-yard-arm.

THE CONTENTS OF THE Sailing Instructions.

Signals for Anchoring, at an Anchor, and Weighing Anchor, in the Day-time.

  • FOR the Fleet to
    • Anchor Instr. 1
    • Moore Instr. 2
  • To Cut or Slip Instr. 3
  • For any particular Ship's Cutting or Slipping, and Chasing to Windward Instr. 4
  • Ditto, To Leeward Instr. 5
  • For giving over Chase, and calling in the Scouts to the Fleet Instr. 6
  • Directions for Examining strange Ships coming into the Fleet Instr. 7
  • Signal to Ʋnmoore Instr. 8
  • Signal to Weigh Instr. 9

Signals for Anchoring, at an Anchor, and Weighing Anchor, in the Night.

  • SIgnal to
    • Anchor Instr. 1
    • Moore Instr. 2
  • For Cutting or Slipping Instr. 3
  • To know all the Flag Ships by their Lights Instr. 4
  • For Discovering a Fleet coming into ours when at Anchor Instr. 5
  • The Signal to Ʋnmoore Instr. 6
  • The Signal to Weigh Instr. 7
  • To Lower Yards and Top-masts Instr. 8
  • T [...] H [...]is [...] Yard [...] and T [...]p [...]masts Instr. [...]

Signals for Sailing by DAY.

  • FOR the Sternmost and Leewardmost Ships to Tack first Instr. 1
  • For the Weathermost and Headmost Ships to Tack first Instr. 2
  • For Wearing and bringing to the other Tack in bad Weather Instr. 3
  • To bear up, and Sail before the Wind Instr. 4
  • Signal for the Fleet to bring too, to
    • Starboard Instr. 5
    • Larboard Instr. 5
  • Ʋpon losing Company, and meeting again Instr. 6
  • For Chasing to Windward or Leeward Instr. 7
  • Ʋpon Discovering a Fleet Instr. 8
  • Ʋpon Springing a Leak Instr. 9
  • To speak with the Admiral Instr. 10
  • For the Vice-Admiral sending out Ships to Chase Instr. 11
  • For the Rear-Admiral to Chase Instr. 12
  • Ʋpon Discovering
    • Land Instr. 13
    • Danger Instr. 14

Signals when Sailing by NIGHT.

  • SIgnal for Tacking Instr. 1
  • To Lie Short or By in Bad Weather Instr. 2
  • To make Sail after Lying By Instr. 3
  • When any Ship is necessitated to Lie By, though the Fleet make Sail Instr. 4
  • Ʋpon losing Company, and meeting again Instr. 5
  • Ʋpon Discovering a Fleet Instr. 6
  • Ʋpon Springing a Leak Instr. 7
  • For Altering the Course Instr. 8
  • Ʋpon Discovering Land or Danger Instr. 9
  • For bring to, and lying by, wiith Starboard Tacks on Board, when Sailing large, or before the Wind; or to Lie by, with Larboard Tacks on Board Instr. 10
  • For Wearing, and bringing to on the other Tack when Sailing upon a Wind Instr. 11

Signals when Sailing in a FOG.

  • TO continue Sailing with the same Sail when it grows thick and Foggy Weather Instr. 1
  • For making more or less Sail than was when the Fog came up Instr. 2
  • For Tacking Instr. 3
  • To bring too, and lie by with the
    • Starboard
    • Larboard
    Tack on Board Instr. 4
  • For making Sail in a Fog, after lying By with the Head-sails to the Mast Instr. 5
  • For Anchoring Instr. 6
  • For Weighing Instr. 7
  • [...] Instr. [...]

Signals for Calling the Flag and other Officers on Board the Admiral.

  • THE Captains, or Lieutenants Instr. 1
  • All the Masters of the Ships of War Instr. 2
  • The Flag-Officers Instr. 3
  • The Captains of the Admiral's Squadron, or Lieutenants Instr. 4
  • The Vice-Admiral, and all the Captains of his Squadron Instr. 5
  • The Rear-Admiral, and all the Captains of his Squadron, or Lieutenants Instr. 6
  • The Vice and Rear-Admirals, or those that Command in the Second and Third Posts Instr. 7
  • The Captains of the Admiral's Division Instr. 8
  • A Lieutenant of each Ship of the Admiral's Division Instr. 8
  • A Lieutenant of any particular Ship Instr. 9
  • For all the Tenders in the Fleet to come under the Admiral's Stern Instr. 10
  • For speaking with any particular Ship's Tender Instr. 11
      • For all the Pinnaces and Barges
      • For all the Long-Boats
      • For all the Boats in the Fleet
    • to come on Board the Instr. 12
      • Admiral Mann'd Instr. 13
      • and Arm'd Instr. 14
  • Every Tender is to know from the Captain of the Ship he attends on, What Signals the Admiral will make when he will speak with that Tender Instr. 15
  • The Signal to be made by an Hospital Ship before she goes out of the Fleet Instr. 16
  • For speaking with the
    • Victualler, or his Agent Instr. 17
    • Officer that has Charge of the Gunner's Stores Instr. 18

AN INDEX OF THE SIGNALS Contained in the Instructions for Sailing.

SIGNALS with One Gun, From the ADMIRAL.

    Instr. Pag.
One Gun. AND hoists an Ensign striped Red, White and Blue on the Ensign-staff 1 2
And hoists his Mizen-top-sails, with the Clew-lines hawled up 2 2
And hoists a Red Flag in the Mizen-shrowds, and makes a Signal for a particular Captain 4 2
A Blue Flag in the same place, and a Signal for a particular Captain. 5 4
A White Flag hoisted at the Fore-top-mast-head 6 4
And looses his Main-top-sail, or puts one Light on his Ensign-staff. 8 4
And looses his Fore-top-sail 9 4
And puts a Light on each Top-mast-head 2 3
And hangs a Light in the Main-top-mast-shrowds 7 5
And hoists an Ʋnion-flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head. 1 6
And hoists an Ʋnion Flag at the Fore-top-mast-head 2 6
And hoists a Pendant on the Ensign-staff 3 6
And hoists his Ensign 4 8
And hawls down his Jack 4 8
And hoists a Red Flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head 5 8
And hoists a Blue Flag in the same Place 5 8
And hoists a Red Flag in the Mizen-shrowds 7 8
And a Blue Flag in the same Place 7 8
And hoists a White Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head 7 8
And hoists a Flag striped Red and White in the same place 11 10
And the like Flag on the Mizen-top-mast-head 12 10
And hoists two Lights on the Ensign-staff, one above the other, above the constant Light in the Poop 1 7
Without Alteration of Lights 8 9
Every Hour 1 13
Every Half Hour 2 13
And an Ʋnion Flag on the Mizen-shrowds 1 15
And an Ensign in the same place 2 15
And hoists a Standard on the Mizen-top-mast-head 3 15
And a Blue Flag in the Mizen-shrowds 6 16
And a Standard hoisted on the Ensign-staff 7 16
And hoists a Pendant on his Mizen-peek 8 16
The same Signal, and a Weft with his Ensign 8 16
And hoists a Flag strip'd Yellow & White at the Miz-peek 10 16
And hoists a Pendant on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head 12 17
And a Pendant on the Mizen-top-mast-head 13 17
And hoists a Pendant on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and another on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head 14 17

From other Ships.

  Instr. Pag.
ONe Gun, and shews Three Lights in the Mizen-shrowds 4 9
One Gun, and shews as many Lights as he can 9 9

SIGNALS with Two Guns, From the ADMIRAL.

    Instr. Pag.
Two Guns. AND looses both his Top-sails 3 2
A small space of time one from the other 1 3
And hands out Four Lights, one at each Main-yard-arm, and one at each Fore-yard-arm 3 3
And hangs out Three Lights, one over another, in the Main-top-mast-shrowds, over the constant Light in the Main-top 6 5
And shews Four Lights of equal height 2 7

From other Ships.

  Instr. Pag.
TWO Guns, and hawls up his Courses 9 10
Two Guns, and puts a Jack abroad from the Main-cross-trees downwards on the Back-stay 14 10

SIGNALS with Three, Four, or more Guns, From the ADMIRAL.

  Instr. Pag.
FOur Guns 3 13
Six Guns 4 14
10 10
Eight Guns 4 14
10 11
Ten Guns 5 14

From other Ships.

  Instr. Pag.
FIres Guns, and hangs out a great number of Lights 5 5
Fires Guns, and spreads an English Ensign from his Main or Fore-Top-Mast downwards on the Shrowds, lowering his Main or Fore-top-sail 10 10
Fires Guns, and puts a Jack abroad from the Main-top-mast-cross-trees downwards on the Back-stay 14 10
Fires Guns, makes false Fires, puts a Light in the Main top, and Three on the Poop 6 9
Fires Guns, and hangs out two Lights of equal height 7 9
Fires four Guns, or continues firing Gun after Gun 8 14

SIGNALS with LIGHTS, From the ADMIRAL.

  Instr. Pag.
PƲts a Light in each Top-mast-head, and fires a Gun 2 3
Hangs a Light in the Main Top-mast-shrowds, and fires a Gun. 7 5
Two Lights on the Ensign-staff, one above the other, above the constant Light on the Poop, and one Gun 1 7
Four Lights, one at each Fore-yard arm, and one at each Main-Yard-arm, and two Guns 3 3
Three Lights, one over the other, in the Main-top-mast-shrowds, over the constant Light in the Main top, and two Guns 6 5
Four Lights of equal height, and two Guns 2 7
Three Lights, one over another, in the Main-shrowds, and two Guns 3 7
One Light on the Ensign-staff, and fire a Gun 8 5
Two Lights, one under the other, in the Mizen-top-mast-shrowds, and one Gun 9 5
Four Lights in the Fore-shrowd, and fire
  • Six Guns
  • Eight Guns
 10 11
One Light at the Mizen-peek and fir [...] three G [...]s [...] [...]

From other Ships

  Instr. Pag.
THree Lights in the Mizen-shrowds, and one Gun 4 9
Shews as many Lights as he can, and fires a Gun 9 9
Hangs out a great number of Lights, and continues firing Guns 5 5
A Light in the Main-top, three in the Poop, makes false Fires, and fires Guns 6 9
Hangs out Two Lights of equal height, and Fires Guns 7 9

SIGNALS with Flags, Ensigns, Standards and Jacks, From the ADMIRAL.

  Instr. Pag.
HOists a Red Flag in the Mizen-shrowds 4 15
A White Flag in the same place 5 16
Puts an English Ensign in the Mizen-top-mast-shrowds 17 17
Spreads an English Ensign at the Main-top-sail-yard-arm 18 17
An Ensign striped Red, White and Blue, hoisted on the Ensign-staff, and one Gun 1 2
A Red Flag in the Mizen-shrowds, with a Signal for a parti­cular Captain, and one Gun 4 2
A Blue Flag in the same place, with a Signal for a particular Captain, and one Gun 5 4
A White Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and one Gun 6 4
An Ʋnion Flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and one Gun 1 6
The same on the Fore-top-mast-head, and one Gun 2 6
A Pendant on the Ensign-staff and one Gun 3 6
Hoists his Ensign and fires a Gun 4 8
Hawls down his Jack, and fires a Gun 4 8
A Red Flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen top-mast-head, and one Gun 5 8
A Blue Flag in the same place, and one Gun 5 8
A Red Flag in the Mizen-shrowds 7 8
A Blue Flag in the same place 7 8
A White Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and one Gun 7 8
A Flag striped Red and White in the same place, and one Gun 11 10
The like Flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and one Gun 12 10
An Ʋnion Flag in the Mizen-top-mast-shrowds, and one Gun 1 15
An Ensign in the same place 2 15
A Standard on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and one Gun 3 15
A Blue Flag in the Mizen-shrowds, and one Gun 6 16
A Standard on the Ensign-staff, and one Gun 7 16
A Pendant on the Mizen-peek, and one Gun 8 16
The same Signal, and a Weft with his Ensign 8 16
A Flag striped Yellow and White at the Mizen-Peek, and one Gun 10 16
A Pendant on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and one Gun 12 17
The like Signal on the Mizen-top-mast-head, 13 17
A Pendant on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and another at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and one Gun 4 17
A Yellow Flag under that at the Main-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun 17 31
A Flag striped Red and White on the Flag-staff at the Main-top-mast-head, with a Pendant under it, and fire a Gun 30 33
A Flag striped Red, White and Blue, at the said place, with a Pendant and Gun
A Genoeze Ensign at the said place, with a Pendant and Gun
A Flag striped Red and White At the Flag-staff at the Main, Fore, or Mizen-top-masthead, and a Gun, without a Pendant
A Flag striped Red, White, and Blue
A Genoeze Ensign

From other Ships.

  Instr. Pag.
PƲts abroad his Ensign, and keeps it till the Admiral's is out, striking it as many times as he sees Ships 8 8
Hoists his Jack and Ensign, and keeps it abroad till the Admi­ral answers by hoisting his 13 10
Spreads an Ensign on the Main-top-mast Back-stay, from the Head of the Mast downwards 16 17
Puts a Jack abroad from the Main-top-mast Cross-trees down­wards on the Back-stay, and fires two Guns 14 10
The same Signal, and continues firing Guns 14 10
Spreads an English Ensign from his Main or Fore-top-mast down­wards on the Shrowds, Lowering his Main or For-top-sail and fires Guns 10 10

SIGNALS with Sails, or on the Top-mast-Shrowds, From the ADMIRAL.

  Instr. Pag.
HOists his Mizen-top-sail, with the Clew-lines hawled up, and fires a Gun 2 2
Looses his Main-top-sail, and fires a Gun 8 4
Looses his Fore-top-sail, and fires a Gun 8 4
Hangs a Light in the Main-top-mast-shrowds, and fires a Gun 7 5
Looses both his Top-sails, and fires two Guns 3 2
Hangs three Lights in the Main-top-mast-shrowds, one over another above the constant Light in the Main-top, and fires two Guns 6 5

From other Ships.

  Instr. Pag.
BRales up his Low-sails, and continues Hoisting and Lowering his Top-sails, and making a Weft with his Top gallant sails 8 8
Lowers his Main or Fore-top-sail, spreading an English Ensign from his Main or Fore-top-mast downwards on the Shrowds, and fires Guns 10 10

INSTRUCTIONS To be observed by all Masters, Pilots, Ketches, Hoys and Smacks, ATTENDING The FLEET.

1 INSTR. I. IN case of Sailing at any time, (save only in time of Fight) you are Night and Day to keep your respective Stations; and if you meet with any less Depth than Seven Fathom in the Day-time, you are no fire one Gun, and hawl up your Main-sail; and if you meet with less than Seven Fathom in the Night, to fire one Gun, and make false Fires till you are answer'd from the Ad­miral with false Fires again.

2 II. You are to observe Signals one from another in your several Stations, and to make the same Signals to the Fleet, if at any time in Sailing you meet with Shoal-water.

3 III. In Sailing (Night and Day) you are to keep your Lead conti­nually going, and be careful of your Tides and Reckonings, that so you may be able to give an account whereabouts the Fleet is, at any time; but your Care is more particularly and immediately required in keeping as exact an Account in time of Fight, as you are able.

5 IV. In case His Majesty's Fleet shall engage the Enemy among the Sands, or where they have reason to apprehend Danger, then such of you as are appointed by the Admiral for that Service, shall lie away a-head of the Fleet, and keep your Lead going, and if you meet with less than [...] Fathom Water, you are to Lower your Main-top-sail (if abroad) and to spread your En­sign from your Main-top-mast-head downwards, and to stand from the Danger.

And those of you who are not appointed by the Admiralas aforesaid, are to use your utmost endeavour to know the Fire­ships belonging to the Enemies; and accordingly observing their Motion, to do your utmost to cut off their Boats, (if possible,) or if Opportunity serve, to lay them on Board, Seize and Destroy them; and to this purpose you are to keep to Windward of the Squadron in time of Service: But in case you cannot prevent the Fire-ships from going on Board the Admiral, or any other, by clapping between them, [which by all possible means you are to en­deavour,] then, and in all such Cases and Exegents, you are to shew your selves Men; and to Steer on Board them with your Boats, and with Grap-Nails, or other Means, to clear His Majesty's Ship from them, and to destroy them: Which Service, if Honourably performed, shall be Rewarded according to its Merit; but if neg­lected, shall be strictly Examined, and severely Punished.

Fighting Instructions.

1 INSTR. I. WHen the Admiral would have the Fleet draw into a Line of Battel, one Ship A-head of another, according to the Method given to each Captain, he will hoist an Union Flag at the Mizen-Peek, and fire a Gun; and every Flag-ship in the Fleet is to make the same Signal.

2 II. When the Admiral would have the Fleet draw into a Line of Battel one Ship A-breast of another, (according to the Method given to each Captain,) he will hoist an Union Flag and a Pen­dant at the Mizen-Peek, and fire a Gun; and every Flag-ship in the Fleet is to do the same.

3 III. When the Admiral would have the Admiral of the White, and his whole Squadron to Tack, and endeavour to gain the Wind of the Enemy, he will spread a White Flag under the Flag at the Main-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; which is to be answer'd by the Flag-ships in the Fleet; and when he would have the Admi­ral of the Blue to do the same with his Squadron, he will spread a Blue Flag on that place.

4 IV. When the Admiral would have the Vice-Admiral of the Red, and his Division, Tack, and endeavour to gain the Wind of the Enemy, he will spread a Red Flag from the Cap at the Fore-top-mast-head downward on the Back-stay: If he would have the Vice-Admiral of the White do the same, a White Flag: If the Vice-Admiral of the Blue, a Blue Flag at the same place.

5 V. When the Admiral would have the Rear-Admiral of the Red, and his Division, Tack, and endeavour to gain the Wind of the Enemy, he will hoist a Red Flag at the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun: If the Rear-Admiral of the White, a White Flag: If the Rear-Admiral of the Blue, a Blue Flag at the same place, and under the Flag a Pendant of the same Colour.

6 VI. If the Admiral be to Leeward of the Fleet, or any part of the Fleet, and he would have them to bear down into his Wake, or Grain, he will hoist a Blue Flag at the Mizen Peek.

7 VII. If the Admiral be to Leeward of the Enemy, and his Fleet, or any part of them, to Leeward of him, that he may bring those Ships into a Line, he will bear up with a Blue Flag at the Mizen-peek, under the Union Flag, which is the Signal for the Line of Battel; and then those Ships to Leeward are to use their utmost endeavour to get into his Wake, or Grain, according to their Stations in the Line of Battel.

8 VIII. If the Fleet be Sailing before the Wind, and the Admiral would have the Vice-Admiral, and the Ships of the Starboard Quarter to clap by the Wind, and come to the Starboard-Tack, then he will hoist upon the Mizen-top-mast-head a Red Flag: And in case he would have the Rear-Admiral, and the Ships of the Larboard Quarter to come to their Larboard-Tack, then he will hoist up a Blue Flag at the same place.

9 IX. When the Admiral would have the Van of the Fleet to Tack first, he will put abroad the Union Flag at the Flag-staff on the Fore-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun, if the Red Flag be not abroad; but if the Red Flag be abroad, then the Fore-top-sails shall be lower'd a little, and the Union Flag shall be spread from the Cap of the Fore-top-mast downwards; and every Flag-ship in the Fleet is to do the same.

10 X. When the Admiral would have the Rear-Admiral of the Fleet Tack first, he will hoist the Union-Flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; which is to be answered by every Flag-ship in the Fleet.

11 XI. When the Admiral would have all the Flag-ships in the Fleet come into his Wake, or Grain, he will hoist a Red Flag at the Mizen-peek, and fire a Gun; and the Flag-ships in the Fleet are to make the same Signal.

12 XII. When the Admiral would have the Admiral of the White, and his Squadron, make more Sail, though himself shorten Sail, he will hoist a White Flag on the Ensign-staff: If the Admiral of the Blue, or he that commands in the Third Post, a Blue Flag at the same place; and every Flag-ship in the Fleet is to make the same Signal.

13 XIII. As soon as the Admiral shall hoist a Red Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, every Ship in the Fleet is to use their utmost endeavour to Engage the Enemy, in the Order the Ad­miral has prescribed unto them.

14 XIV. When the Admiral hoisteth a White Flag at the Mizen-peek, then all the small Frigats of his Squardron that are not in the Line of Battel, are to come under his Stern.

15 XV. If the Fleet is Sailing by a Wind in the Line of Battel, and the Admiral would have them Brace their Head-sails to the Mast, he will hoist a Yellow Flag on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; which the Flag-ships in the Fleet are to an­swer: Then the Ships in the Rear are to Brace to first.

16 XVI. The Fleet lying in a Line of Battel, with their Head-sails to the Mast, and if the Admiral would have them fill and stand on, he will hoist a Yellow Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun; which the Flag-ships in the Fleet are to an­swer; then the Ships in the Van are to fill first, and to stand on; if it happen when this Signal is to be made, that the Red Flag is abroad on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, the Admiral will spread the Yellow Flag under the Red.

17 XVII. If the Admiral see the Enemies Fleet standing towards him, and he has the Wind of them, the Van of the Fleet is to make Sail till they come the length of the Enemies Rear and our Rear a-breast of the Enemies Van, then he that is in the Rear of our Fleet is to Tack first, and every Ship one after another, as fast as they can, throughout the Line, that they may engage upon the same Tacks with their Enemy; but in case the Enemies Fleet should Tack in the Rear, our Fleet is to do the same with an equal Number of Ships; and whilst they are in Fight with the Enemy, to keep within half a Cable's length one of another; or if the Weather be bad, according to the Discretion of the Commander. When the Admiral would have the Ship that leads the Van of the Fleet, (or the Headmost Ship in the Fleet,) when they are in a Line of Battel, Hoist, Lower, Set or Hawl up, any of his Sails, the Admiral will spread a Yellow Flag under that at the Main-top-mast-head and fire a Gun; which the Flag-ships that have Flags at the Main-top-mast-head are to answer; and those Flag-ships that have not, are to hoist the Yellow Flag on the Flag-staff at the Main-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun: Then the Admi­ral will Hoist, Lower, Set or Hawl up, the Sail he would have the Ship that leads the Van do.

18 XVIII. If the Admiral and his Fleet have the Wind of the Enemy, and they have stretched themselves in a Line of Battel, the Van of the Admiral's Fleet is to steer with the Van of the Enemies, and there to Engage them.

19 XIX. Every Commander is to take Care, that his Guns are not fired till he is sure he can reach the Enemy upon a Point-blank; and by no means to suffer his Guns to be fired over any of our own Ships.

20 XX. None of the Ships in the Fleet shall pursue any small Num­ber of the Enemies Ships, till the Main Body be Disabled, or Run.

21 XXI. If any of the Ships in the Fleet are in Distress, and make the Signal, which is a Weft with the Jack or Ensign, the next Ship to them is strictly required to relieve them.

22 XXII. If the Admiral or any Flag-ship should be in distress, and make the usual Signal, the Ships in the Fleet are to endeavour to get up as close into a Line between him and the Enemy as they can, ha­ving always an Eye to defend him, if the Enemy should come to annoy him in that Condition.

23 XXIII. In case any Ship in the Fleet should be forced to go out of the Line to repair Damages she has received in Battel, the next Ships are to close up the Line.

24 XXIV. If any Flag-ship be disabled, the Flag may go on Board any Ship of his own Squadron or Division.

25 XXV. If the Enemy be put to the run, and the Admiral thinks it convenient the whole Fleet shall follow them, he will make all the sail he can himself after the Enemy, and fire two Guns out of his Fore-Chase; then every Ship in the Fleet is to use his best endea­vour to come up with the Enemy, and lay them on Board.

26 XXVI. If the Admiral would have any particular Flag-ship, and his Squadron or Divsion, give Chase to the Enemy, he will make the same Signal that is appointed for that Flag-ship's Tacking with his Squadron or Division, and Weathering the Enemy.

27 XXVII. When the Admiral would have them give over Chase, he will hoist a White Flag at the Fore-top-mast-head, and fire a Gun.

28 XXVIII. In case any Ship in the Line of Battel should be Disabled in her Masts, Rigging, or Hull, the Ship that leads A-head of her, shall take her in A-tow, and the Division she is in shall make good the Line with her; but the Commander of the Ship so Disabled is not, upon any Pretence whatever, to leave his Station, till he has ac­quainted his Flag, or the next Flag-Officer to him, with the Con­dition of his Ship, and received his Direction therein: And in case any Commander shall be wanting in doing his Duty, his Flag, or the next Flag-Officer to him, is immediately to send for the said Commander from his Ship, and appoint another in his room.

29 XXIX. If the Admiral would have any Flag in his Division or Squadron Cut, or Slip in the Day-time, he will make the same Signals that are appointed for those Flag-ships, and their Division or Squadron, to Tack and Weather the Enemy, as is expressed in the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Articles before-going.

30 XXX. When the Admiral would have the Red Squadron draw into a Line of Battel A-breast of one another, he will put abroad a Flag striped Red and White on the Flag-staff at the Main Top-Mast-Head, with a Pendant under it, and fire a Gun. If he would have the White Squadron, or those that have the Second Post in the Fleet to do the like, the Signal shall be a Flag striped Red, White, and Blue, with a Pendant under it at the aforesaid place. And if he would have the Blue Squadron do the like, he will put on the said Place a Genoeze Ensign, together with a Pendant: But when he would have either of the said Squadrons to draw into a Line of Battel, A-head of one another, he will make the aforesaid Signals without a Pendant; which Signals are to be answered by the Flag-ships only of the said Squadrons, and to be kept out till the Admiral take in his. And if the Admiral would have any Vice-Admiral of the Fleet, and his Division, draw into a Line of Battel, as aforesaid, he will make the same Signals at the Fore-top-mast-head that he makes for that Squadron at the Main-top-mast-head: And for any Rear-Admiral in the Fleet, and his Division, the same Signals at the Mizen-top-mast-head, which Signals are to be answered by the Vice or Rear-Admirals.

THE CONTENTS OF THE Fighting Instructions.

  • THE Signal for the Fleet to draw into a Line of Battel, one Ship a-head of another Instr. 1
  • Ditto, A-brest of another Instr. 2
  • For the Admiral of the White to Tack, and endeavour to gain the Wind of the Enemy Instr. 3
  • For the Admiral of the Blue to do the same Instr. 3
  • For the Vice-Admiral of the Red, and his Division, to do the same Instr. 4
  • For the Vice-Admiral of the White to do the same Instr. 4
  • For the Vice-Admiral of the Blue to do the same Instr. 4
  • For the Rear-Admiral of the Red, and his Division, to do the same Instr. 5
  • For the Rear-Admiral of the White to do the same Instr. 5
  • For the Rear-Admiral of the Blue to do the same Instr. 5
  • For the Fleet's bearing down to the Admiral's Wake, or Grain, when he is to Leeward of them Instr. 6
  • For the Ships to Leeward of the Admiral to get into his Wake or Grain Instr. 7
  • For the Vice-Admiral, and the Ships of the Star-board Qurter, to clap by the Wind, and come to the Star-board Tack Instr. 8
  • For the Rear-Admiral, and the Ships of the Lar-board Quarter, to come to the Lar-board Tack Instr. 8
  • For the Van of the Fleet to Tak first Instr. 9
  • For the Rear of the Fleet to Tack first Instr. 10
  • For the Flag-ships to come into the Admiral's Wake or Grain Instr. 11
  • For the Admiral of the White or Blue to make more Sail, tho' the Admiral himself shorten Sail Instr. 12
  • The Signal for Battel Instr. 13
  • [Page 35]For speaking with the Frigats that are not in the Line of Battel Instr. 14
  • For the Rear of the Fleet to brace their Head-sails to the Mast Instr. 15
  • For the Van of the Fleet to fill their Head-sails Instr. 16
  • Instructions to be observed in Engaging the Enemy, and for the Ship that leads the Van of the Fleet, when in a Line, to Hoist, Lower, Set, or Hawl up any of his Sails Instr. 17
  • How to Engage the Enemy when our Fleet has the Wind of them Instr. 18
  • Not to fire till within Point-blank Shot Instr. 19
  • Not to pursue a small Number of the Enemy till the Main Body Run, or are Disabled Instr. 20
  • A Ship in Distress Instr. 21
  • When the Admiral, or any Flag-ship is in Distress Instr. 22
  • When a Ship is forced to go out of the Line Instr. 23
  • When a Flag-ship is Disabled Instr. 24
  • For the whole Fleet to Chase Instr. 25
  • For any particular Flag-ship, with his Squadron or Division to Chase Instr. 26
  • For giving over Chase Instr. 27
  • For making up the Line when a Ship is disabled Instr. 28
  • When the Admiral would have any Flag cut or slip in the Day Instr. 29
  • When the Admiral would have the Red, White, or Blue Squadron, draw into a Line of Battel a-breast or a-head of one another, or any Vice or Rear-Admiral to do the like Instr. 30

AN INDEX OF THE SIGNALS Contained in the Instructions for Fighting.

From the ADMIRAL.

  Instr. Pag.
HOists an Ʋnion Flag on the Mizen-Peek, and fires a Gun 1 28
An Ʋnion Flag, and a Pendant on the Mizen-Peek, and fires a Gun 2 28
A White or a Blue Flag spread under the Flag at the Main-top-mast-head, and a Gun fired 3 28
A Red, White, or Blue Flag, spread from the Cap at the Fore-top-mast-head downwards on the Back-stay 4 28
A Red, White, or a Blue Flag, on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and a Gun fired 5 29
A Blue Flag at the Mizen-Peek 6 29
Bears up with a Blue Flag under the Ʋnion Flag at the Mizen-Peek 7 29
A Red or Blue Flag on the Mizen-top-mast-head 8 29
An Ʋnion Flag at the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, or the Fore-top-sail lower'd a little, and the Ʋnion Flag spread from the Cap of the Fore-top-mast downwards, and a Gun fired 9 29
The Ʋnion Flag hoisted on the Flag-staff at the Mizen-top-mast-head, and a Gun fired 10 29
A Red Flag hoisted on the Mizen Peek, and a Gun fired 11 30
A White or Blue Flag hoisted on the Ensign-staff 12 30
A Red Flag on the Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head 13 30
A White Flag at the Mizen-Peek 14 30
A Yellow Flag hoisted at the Mizen-top mast-head, and a Gun fired 15 30
A Yellow Flag hoisted on a Flag-staff at the Fore-top-mast-head, or (if the Red Flag be abroad) spread under the Red Flag, and a Gun fired 16 30
A Yellow Flag under that at the Main-top-mast-head, and a Gun fired 17 31
Admiral fires two Guns out of his Fore-Chase, and makes all the Sail he can 25 32
A White Flag at the Fore-top-mast-head, and a Gun fired 27 32
A Flag striped Red and White on the Flag-staff at the Main-top-mast-head, with a Pendant under it, and a Gun 30 33
A Flag striped Red, White, and Blue, with a Pendant under it, at the said place, and a Gun
A Genouese Ensign at the said place, with a Pendant and Gun
The same Signals without a Pendant
The same Signals and a Gun, both with and without a Pendant, at the Fore or Mizen-top-mast-heads

From other Ships.

A Weft with their Jack or Ensign 21 32

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE Captains and Companies OF Fire-ships, Small Frigats, and Ketches.

ALthough it is the Duty of all Persons employed in His Majesty's Fleet even to the utmost hazard of their Lives, to endeavour as well the destroying of His Majesty's Enemies, as the succouring of His Majesty's Subjects, and in most especial manner to Preserve and Defend His Majesty's Ships of War; (the neglect whereof shall at all times be strictly enquired after, and severely Punish'd;) Nevertheless, that no inducement may be wanting, which may oblige all Persons serving in His Maje­sty's Fleet, Valiantly and Honourably to acquit themselves in their several Stations. We have therefore thought fit to Publish and Declare, and do hereby Promise on His Majesty's behalf.

1. That if any of His Majesty's Fire-ships perform the Service expected from them in such manner, that any of the Enemies Men of War of Forty Guns, or more, shall be burnt by them, every Person remaining in the Fire-ship till the Service be performed, shall receive on board the Admiral, immediately after the Service done, Ten Pounds, as a Reward of that Service, over and above his Pay due to him; and in case any of them shall be kill'd in that Service, it shall be paid to his Executors or next Relations; and the Captains of such Fire-Ships shall receive 100 l. or a Medal of [Page 39] Gold, with a Chain of the same Value, as he shall make Choice of, to remain as a Token of Honour to him and his Posterity; and shall receive such other Encouragement by Preferment and Command, or otherwise, as shall be fit to Reward him, and in­duce others to perform the like Service: And the Inferior Officers shall receive each of them Ten Pounds in Money; and be taken Care of, and placed in other Ships, before any other Person what­soever.

2. In case any of the Enemies Flag-ships be so fired, the Recom­pence shall be double to each Man performing it; and the Me­dal to the Commander shall be such, as shall particularly express the Eminency of the Service, and his and the other Officers Pre­ferment shall be suitable to the Merit thereof.

3. If any of His Majesty's Fifth or Sixth Rate Frigats, or any Ketches, Smacks, Hoys, or Boats, in His Majesty's Service, shall Board or Destroy any Fire-ships of the Enemies, and so prevent any of them from going on Board any of the King's Ships, above the Fifth Rate; besides the Preferment that shall be given to the Commanders and Officers of such Ships, performing such Service, answerable to their Merit; the Company of such of the said Ships or Vessels, (or in case they shall be kill'd in that Service, their Ex­ecutors or nearest Relations) shall receive every Man Forty Shil­lings, as a Reward: And such Persons, who shall, by the Testimony of the Commanders, appear to be eminently instrumental in such Service, shall receive a further Reward according to his Merit.

4. If the Masters of any Ketches, Hoys and Smacks, or other Vessels hired for His Majesty's Service, shall endeavour to per­form any of the Services aforesaid, and shall by such his Attempt lose his Vessel or Ship, the full value thereof shall be paid by the Treasurer of His Maj [...]sty's Navy, upon Certificate of the Service from the Commanders in Chief: And the Commander of the said Ship, and the Men serving in her, shall receive the same Recom­pence with those who serve in His Majesties Ships or Vessels.

5. That if any Boats belonging to the Fleet, shall, in time of Action, prevent any of the Enemies Fire-ships from doing Injury to His Majesty's Ships, the Crews belonging to the said Boats shall receive Encouragement for their said Service, according as it shall be represented by the Captain of the Ship, which they may happen so to preserve.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FIRE-SHIPS.

1 INSTR. I. WHen the Admiral would speak with the Fireships be­longing to the Admiral's Division of the Blue Squa­dron, he will put a Flag striped Yellow and White from Corner to Corner on the Cross Jack-yard.

When he would speak with the Fire-ships belonging to the Vice-Admiral's Division of the Blue Squadron, he will put the same Flag on the Mizen-shrowds.

When he would speak with the Fire-ships belonging to the Rear-Admiral's Division of the Blue Squadron, he will put the same Flag on the Mizen-top-sail-yard.

When he would speak with all the Fire-ships belonging to the Blue Squadron, he will put the same Flag on the Mizen-top-mast-head downwards on the Back-stays.

2 II. When the Admiral would speak with the Fire-ships belonging to his own Division in the Red Squadron, he will put a Flag striped Yellow and White from Corner to Corner on the Main-yard.

When he would speak with the Fire-ships belonging to the Vice-Admiral's Division of the Red Squadron, he will put the same Flag on the Main-shrowds.

When he would speak with the Fire-ships belonging to the Rear-Admiral's Division of the Red Squadron, he will put the same Flag on the Main-top-mast-yard.

When he would speak with all the Fire-ships belonging to the Red Squadron, he will put the same Flag on the Main-top-mast-head downwards on the Back-stays.

3 III. When the Admiral would speak with the Fire-ships belonging to the Admiral's Division of the White Squadron, he will put a Flag striped Yellow and White from Corner to Corner on the Fore-yard.

When he would speak with the Fire-ships belonging to the Vice-Admiral's Division of the White Squadron, he will put the same Flag on the Fore-shrowds.

When he would speak with the Fire-ships belonging to the Rear-Admiral's Division of the White Squadron, he will put the same Flag on the Fore-top-sail-yard.

When he would speak with all the Fire-ships belonging to the White Squadron, he would put the same Flag on the Fore-top-mast-head downwards on the Back-stays.

4 IV. When the Admiral would speak with all the Fire-ships of the Fleet, he will strike his Ensign, and put the striped Flag in its place.

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