Apparently, a designating system did exist. The AOT system can be documented by papers in the Lewis Collection of the Va. Hist. Soc. The ANV is another matter. No system can be documented. But several flags survive which are identified as HQ flags. They range from 1st nationals, 2nd nationals, battleflags, to special designs, such as Rodes/Ranseurs.
I would be surprised if the MOC was not aware of the identity of WD#184.