topmast-head

Sometimes we sank between two waves that rose on each side higher than our topmast-head, and threatened by dashing together to overwhelm us in a moment!

The Adventures of Roderick Random 2004

"I see," he said; "it's springing up from the south'ard;" and, pacing the deck to and fro, he would also turn his eyes to the topmast-head every time he reached the quarter-deck of the vessel, to mark if the night-flag moved.

A Yacht Voyage to Norway, Denmark, and Sweden 2nd edition William A. Ross

_ -- At daybreak the look-out at the topmast-head perceived a vessel on the lee quarter, at such a distance as to be scarcely visible; but her locality being pronounced "very suspicious," the order was given to bear up for her.

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 55, No. 342, April, 1844 Various

If at any time while we are engaged with the enemy, the admiral shall judge it proper to come to a closer engagement than at the distance we then are, he will hoist a red and white flag on the flagstaff at the main topmast-head, and fire a gun.

Fighting Instructions, 1530-1816 Publications Of The Navy Records Society Vol. XXIX. 1888

If the admiral hoist up a white flag at the mizen yard-arm or topmast-head, all the small frigates in his squadron are to come under his stern for orders.

Fighting Instructions, 1530-1816 Publications Of The Navy Records Society Vol. XXIX. 1888

If the fleet is sailing by a wind in a line of battle, and the admiral would have them brace their headsails to the mast, he will hoist a yellow flag on the flagstaff at the mizen topmast-head, and fire a gun; which the flagships in the fleet are to answer.

Fighting Instructions, 1530-1816 Publications Of The Navy Records Society Vol. XXIX. 1888

When the admiral would have the red squadron draw into a line of battle, abreast of one another, he will put abroad a flag striped red and white on the flagstaff at the main topmast-head, with a pennant under it, and fire a gun.

Fighting Instructions, 1530-1816 Publications Of The Navy Records Society Vol. XXIX. 1888

When the admiral would have the van of his fleet to tack first, the admiral will put abroad the union flag at the staff of the fore topmast-head if the red flag be not abroad; but if the red flag be abroad then the fore topsail shall be lowered a little, and the union flag shall be spread from the cap of the fore topmast downwards.

Fighting Instructions, 1530-1816 Publications Of The Navy Records Society Vol. XXIX. 1888

If the fleet be sailing before the wind, and the admiral would have the vice-admiral and the ships of the starboard quarter to clap by the wind, and come to the starboard tack, then he will hoist upon the mizen topmast-head a red flag.

Fighting Instructions, 1530-1816 Publications Of The Navy Records Society Vol. XXIX. 1888

If the admiral hoist up a white flag at the mizen yard-arm or topmast-head all the small frigates of his squadron are to come under his stern for orders.

Fighting Instructions, 1530-1816 Publications Of The Navy Records Society Vol. XXIX. 1888