I am reading a book on Bering.

This is how the ships were communicating!


Before their departure, Bering had prepared an elaborate code of signals, with flags and cannon and swinging lanterns at night, so that the sister ships could communicate with each other. On the second day out, three guns were fired by the St. Paul, and the ordinary flag was flown from her top-foremast crosstrees: the sign that Captain Chirikov wished to speak to the St. Peter. Lieutenant Waxell, in acting command, fired one gun in acknowledgment, and the two packets drew together.

Through a speaking trumpet, Chirikov Chirikov announced curtly that the St. Peter was steering southward of the agreed course, and suggested that he had better lead the way. It was an insulting message, and meant to be, but Bering did not take offense when Waxell brought the word to his cabin. Instead, he requested Waxell to signal the St. Paul to take the lead, in hopes that his Russian subordinate would be mollified and make no further trouble.

Imagine the contrast today.

That deserves respect. But does not command it!