HAMILTON PERRY, Commander Steamship Adriatic to Mes, March 19, 1875

Gentlemen: Referring to your favor of the 18th instant, regarding fog-signals, I am of opinion that three minutes is too long an interval; two minutes is quite long enough between the blasts. The signals proposed for port and starboard work very well in American waters, and I would suggest a continuous blast of the whistle to mean, “Danger,” “Take care,” “I am stopped,” &c., until the danger is past; three short blasts to mean “Full speed astern.” I think more than three blasts objectionable, as mistakes may occur in counting.

I am, &c.,