Letter

KIDDLE, Commander Steamship Celtic to Mes, March 22, 1875

Gentlemen: 1. Steamships, when under way during a fog, should blow the whistle twice in quick succession every three minutes; the first blast to call attention, and the second to define position.

The short blasts, to show the position of the helm of meeting or passing steamers, are absolutely necessary, but the one which takes the initiative should have the right of way.

The remainder of the steam-signals will lead to mischief, as sailors will differ in what makes a long or short note.

2. Sailing-vessels should be compelled to use a bellows fog-horn when under way, as its notes can in quiet weather be heard at a distance of two miles.

The tin mouth-trumpet is almost useless, and in cold weather blisters the mouth.

I remain, &c.,

W. W. KIDDLE,
Commander Steamship Celtic.

Messrs. Ismay, Imrie & Co.

Sources
FRUS u2014 Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the P View original source ↗
U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the P.