Washington’s Cruisers Flag 1775 Washington’s squadron of six cruisers flew this flag in the fall of 1775 before the adoption of the Grand Union Flag. This flag was flying on the brig Lady Washington when she was captured by H.M.S. Fowey on December 7, 1775. The Massachusetts navy added a coiled snake at the foot of the tree and the familiar motto “Don’t tread on me” when the chose this flag as their ensign on April 29, 1776.