As some of you may remember, I am researching the origins of the Iowa SHS's Red Palmetto flag, currently on loan to the Citadel. One of the theories of why it was in Mobile is that it was part of a ship's flags. I do not know ANYTHING about ships and flags. I have read here and also heard that ships would carry different flags. I understand about the switch-out of nationality flags, but I am trying to get my hands around the "other" flags a ship would carry and why.

As background, I was looking up information on a friend's blockader ancestor and ran into something that I want to pursue further, BUT, before I can proceed, I need to understand the ships "other" flags thingy =).

Does anyone here have a recommendation for a book that talks about this?

Thank you.