Merchant Navy, Three Different Flags

(Original Caption) "Pont Neuf or Toulon Arsenal,"by Joseph Vernet.The Royal Flag. The galley flag, the flag of the Merchant Navy. The Royal Flag was, in reality, the national flag in the 18th centuy. Each regiment had its special flag; the royal navy alone had one flag, which was hoisted everywhere. Poop view of a man-of-war of the first-class flying the Royal Flag (white, with the arms of France).Galley flying the red flag of the galleys of France.Poop of a ship flying the flag of the French merchant-vessels (blue, with a white cross).Undated illustration.