The relationship of the Navy to the Company continued to perplex the naval officers who dealt with the Company. During a visit to New Archangel (Sitka) in 1818, Captain V.M. Golovnin had to decide what to do about official salutes to the fortress' flag. He reasoned that "Taking into account that the Company, although a commercial venture, nevertheless owns extensive territory, enjoys sovereign patronage, and has the Imperial Russian coat-of-arms on its commercial flag.