ADMIRAL. Though neither this nor the immediately following articles have been wholly omitted in the body of the work, we have thought it proper to treat them anew, and with more correct detail, in this place; it being our intention, that these Supplemental Volumes shall exhibit a full and accurate view of all that concerns the constitution, government, and efficiency of the British navy. Of the rank of Admiral there are three degrees—Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Rear-Admiral. Each of those degrees consists of three divisions, which are distinguished by as many different colours or flags; hence all admirals assume the common title of flag-officers, and take rank and command in the following order:
Admirals of the Red, of the White, of the Blue Squadrons, bearing their respective flags at the main-top-gallant-mast head: Vice-Admirals of the Red, of the White, of the Blue Squadrons, bearing their respective flags at the fore-top-gallant-mast head: Rear-Admirals of the Red, of the White, of the Blue Squadrons, bearing their respective flags at the mizen-top-gallant-mast head.
It may be remarked, that for a century nearly we had no Admiral of the Red squadron; that flag, according to a vulgar error, having been taken from us by the Dutch in one of those arduous struggles for naval superiority which that nation was once able to maintain against the naval power of England. But the fact is, the red flag was laid aside on the union of the two crowns of England and Scotland, when the Union flag was adopted in its place, and usually hoisted by the Admiral commanding in chief. The red flag, however, has recently been revived, on an occasion worthy of the event; namely, on the promotion of naval officers which took place in November 1805, in consequence of the memorable victory before Trafalgar. See article NAVY in this Supplement.