James Kennedy to E. Inman, March 8, 1875

Dear Sir: After a careful perusal of the document you sent me on the subject of “fog-signals,” I beg to forward my opinion at your request.

In the United States of America the following signals, which I consider simple and effective, are invariably used during fogs and in narrow channels, and I think could with advantage be adopted in British waters, viz:

• One short blast, “I am porting.”
• Two short blasts, “I am starboarding.”

These are all that are used in the United States, but I would suggest another: three short blasts, “I am stopped;” if a sailing ship, “I am in stays,” or “sails aback.” These I consider sufficient; any more would make it confusing.

I remain, &c.,