[ Vice-Admiral Philip Howard Colomb, inventor. ] Autograph Note Signed ('P H Colomb'), regarding the adoption by the Admiralty of his system of 'signals for the service of the Fleet'.

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper. The identity of the recipient is unknown. Reads: 'My dear Sir | You will be glad I am sure to learn that the Admiralty have finally adopted my signals for the service of the Fleet. | Yrs. try | P H Colomb'. A note in pencil on the reverse of the second leaf states that Colomb 'Devised night System known as "Colomb's Flashing Signals"'. Colomb's contributions to naval warfare and signalling were considerable. His evolutionary signal-book forms the basis of the current system of tactical evolutions at sea. Accompanying the letter is a folio leaf torn from the Illustrated London News, 31 August 1867, carrying part of an illustrated article by Major A. Leahy, R.E., titled 'Military Telegraphy and Signalling. Class 37.'