KENNEDY, Commander Steamship Baltic to Mes, April 2, 1875

Gentlemen: In reply to your letter of the 18th March, asking for my opinion of the additional fog-signals proposed by the board of trade for the use of steamers, I beg to say, that I consider the first and second signals, viz, one short blast of the steam-whistle, “I am porting,” and two short blasts, “I am starboarding,” to be very good, and would be very useful if used by all steamers.

The third and fourth signals I consider unnecessary.

The port and starboard signals have long been in use in America.

My chief and second officers are of the same opinion as myself.

I remain, &c.,