37, and the signification was 'to engage the enemy on their larboard side, or to leeward if by the wind,' while No.

36 was 'to engage the enemy on their starboard side if going before the wind, or to windward if by the wind.' Accordingly we find Nelson issuing a general order, with the object apparently of removing the ambiguity, and of rendering any confusion between starboard and larboard and leeward and windward impossible.

It is in Nelson's order book, under date November 22, 1803, and runs as follows: 'If a pennant is shown over signal No.

36, it signifies that ships are to engage on the enemy's starboard side, whether going large or upon a wind.
'If a pennant is shown in like manner over No.

37, it signifies that ships are to engage on the enemy's larboard side, whether going large or upon a wind.
'These additions to be noted in the Signal Book in pencil only.'[2] The effect of this memorandum was, of course, that Nelson had it in his power to let every captain know, without a shadow of doubt, under all conditions of wind, on which side he meant to engage the enemy.
To the evidence of the Signal Book may be added a passage in Nelson's letter to Admiral Sir A.Ball from the Magdalena Islands, November 7, 1803.