WILLIAM HENRY THOMPSON, Commander Steamship Britannic to Mes, March 22, 1875

reports of captains and officers of white star line on sound-signals proposed by board of trade.

Fog-signals.

Dear Sirs: Referring to above as per your inclosure, I would say the first few clauses, including A, B, and C, being compulsory, are not open for discussion, although with the speed attained at present age the intervals between blasts are entirely too long.

The four signals suggested seem very good, and to have been carefully studied, but I think as it is necessary, once the signal is made, to follow it or act in accordance, it should also be imperative that the ship first making the signal should have the right of way.

I would also suggest that in clear weather, more particularly in rivers and approaches, where it is often found necessary to cross over from your recognized side of the river to the other with heavy-draught ships on a flowing tide or a following tide, Nos. 1 and 2 signals should be used; No. 3 to mean, “I am keeping my course;” no occasion for No. 4; the vessel first making this signal to have right of way. This has been found to work well in America.

If not out of place, I should strongly recommend all vessels which are being approached by others in such a manner that their regulation lights cannot be seen, (whether at anchor, coming to anchor, weighing, or under way,) should show a bright light at stern, as for instance, overtaking a vessel at sea, meeting a vessel in stays, a vessel in the act of rounding-to to anchor, or coming on a vessel at anchor, where her three masts are in one, hiding the light on forestay.

I am, &c.,