Army signalers bridge communications at Mobile Bay

Naval signal books could convey detailed messages through a ship's extensive rigging, but that system required more space than an army in the field could support. Army wigwag signaling offered a quicker way to send a short message. Farragut embarked Army signalers aboard Hartford so the fleet could communicate with the land forces as well as use its naval codes. Brooklyn's request for instructions during the halted advance came by wigwag. Hartford's Army signalers, who had been assisting the surgeon, were called up to interpret it and send the response.