Captain Willet, of the Government barque Lady Franklin, has been suspended, upon the application of the Naval Officer commanding H.M. surveying schooner Bramble, for displaying a St. George's ensign at the mast-head of the Franklin. The fact was, it was displayed there by one of the mates, for the purpose of being aired. And when it is recollected that an ensign is never worn by any ship as her colours in any position but at the peak, when shown anywhere else being evidently as a signal or some other necessary purpose, it certainly seems extraordinary that any naval officer should wish to deprive the most ordinary merchantman of such a right. If this does not exist, all the white signal flags in Marryatt's code must be immediately done away with, for if displayed, the vessel showing them is at the mercy of any naval officer to be boarded, and the obnoxious flag carried away.- Hobart Town Colonial Times, 21 October, 1845.
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