Autograph Letter Signed to William Symonds, R.N., with presentation copy of 'Some Remarks on the Rules to be observed in forming a Code of International Signals; with a comparative review of the systems proposed [...] by Captain Levin Joergen Rohde'.

Full subtitle: 'With a comparative review of the systems proposed by H. Cranmer Phillipps, R.N. and by Captain Levin Joergen Rohde, of the Royal Danish Navy, Knight of the Dannebrog, &c. &c.' The letter was previously attached by four small pieces of red sealing wax on the verso of its blank second leaf to the title-page of the pamphlet. Letter and pamphlet are now detached, with traces of wax adhering to both, but not affecting the text of either. LETTER: 12mo, one page. Good on aged paper. Addressed to Sir William Symonds (1782-1856), Surveyor of the Navy, naval architect and rear admiral. He troubled Symonds the previous summer with 'a book upon naval signals'. 'The appearance of another work upon the same subject has induced me to write the accompanying little tract, which perhaps you may find time to glance over. I am only anxious for a fair trial of my system.' PAMPHLET: octavo, thirty pages. Several illustrations of flags. Disbound. Aged and creased. Cropped ownership inscription of 'W. Symonds R.N.' at head of title. The pamphlet performs 'the disagreeable, and perhaps somewhat invidious task, of pointing out the more prominent defects in Captain Rohdes' system', and contrasts it with 'his own plan', ending with four pages of 'NUMERAL SIGNALS. [...] The Numbers to be shewn over A WHEFT.'