For instance, a line of bunting is sent up on the flagship’s signal halliards.  It is read from the top down.  The geographical flag flies first; then follow 7, 6, 3, 8.  It means that the message can be found in the geographical list, number 7638.

The repeaters are used to avoid confusion.  Instead of putting two number 1 flags together, for instance, number 1 is flown with a repeater under it; second repeater repeats number 2, and so on.

PREPARATORY.—­Over hoist.  Prepare to execute subjoined order.

INTERROGATION.—­Alone.  What is that signal? or “I don’t understand—­repeat.”  Above hoist puts signal in interrogative sense.

ANSWERING.—­Flown by ship receiving message indicates that signal is understood.

AFFIRMATIVE.—­Alone.  Yes.  Above hoist puts message in affirmative or permissive sense.

NEGATIVE.—­Alone.  No.  Above hoist puts message in negative sense.

MEAL or NUMERAL.—­Alone.  Crew at mess.  Above or below hoist—­the numeral flags are to be taken as numbers simply.

CONVOY.—­Alone at fore, means naval convoy.  Above hoist means use navy list.

POSITION.—­In manoeuvres, hoisted by each ship as it gets into position ordered; lowered when next ship gets into place.

GUARD or GUIDE.—­As its name implies—­flown by guard or guide ship.

TELEGRAPH.—­Use telegraph list.

DESPATCH or GEOGRAPHICAL.—­Alone at fore, indicates that the ship flying it is carrying despatches.  Above hoist.  Use geographical list.

CORNET.—­Alone.  Ship about to sail.  Over number.  Official number of ship.

GENERAL RECALL.—­Recalls all small boats.

POWDER.—­Hoisted alone in port.  Taking powder on board.  Alone at sea. 
Distress.

RATING MARKS IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY.

THE INSIGNIA OF RANK OF COMMISSIONED, WARRANT, AND PETTY OFFICERS.

There are four classes of officers in the United States navy, and each has its own distinguishing mark.

The commissioned officers of the line.

The commissioned corps.

The warrant officers.

The petty officers.

The first two classes are graduates of Annapolis, or regularly commissioned by the Government.  The last two are composed of enlisted men who have been promoted.

The rank device of the commissioned officers is worn on the shoulder-knot of the full dress uniform and on the collar of the service coat.

The marks are as follows: 

[Illustration:  REAR-ADMIRAL.]

Foul anchor with silver stars at ends; and one stripe of gold lace two inches wide, and one of one-half inch wide above it, on sleeves.

[Illustration:  COMMODORE.]

A star with a foul anchor at either side of it; and one stripe of gold lace two inches wide on sleeves.

[Illustration:  CAPTAIN.]