_Hanging out the Broom at the Mast-heads of Ships to be sold_ (Vol. ii.,
p. 226.).--In reply to the question of your correspondent W. P., I beg
to inform him that the custom originated from that period of our history
when the Dutch admiral, Van Tromp, with his fleet appeared on our coasts
in hostility against England. The broom was hoisted as indicative of his
intention to sweep the ships of England from the sea. To repel this
insolence the English admiral hoisted a horse-whip, equally indicative
of his intention to chastise the Dutchman. The pennant which the
horse-whip symbolised has ever since been the distinguishing mark of
English ships of war.