19th cent USN terminology

[studentforever]

Jamestown introduced me to 'hoisting the coach whip' - a somewhat confusing term. Apparently it's the informal term for a log thin pennant used to indicated a USN ship in commission.

file:///C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/Temp/FINAL_PDF_26x34_highres_ship_commissioning.pdf

[Randi]

Unfortunately, that link only works for you.
However, with your information I was able to find another link (https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by- ... nnant.html).
I added it to the OWpedia.

[studentforever]

Ah, I did wonder. I'll change the link on the file. It does highlight the use of the term 'broad pennant/pendant' for ships carrying a senior officer though.

[studentforever]

Jamestown also introduced me to 'Slushing down the masts'. Despite my initial sceptism the following reference indicated that this was a legitimate term of the time.
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display ... 3100511761

[Randi]

Thanks. I added your link to Hurlock's 'Slushing' information in the OWpedia.

The term was also used in the Royal Navy:
SLUSH-BUCKET. A bucket kept in the tops, to grease the masts, sheets, &c., to make all run smoothly.
The Sailor's Word-Book, by Admiral W. H. Smyth, 1867
I have found this book very useful for US logs