Original Signature of Rear-Admiral John Colville. by Lord Colville

United Kingdom, circa 1830-1840. Clipped original signature of John Colville, 9th Lord Colville of Culross, Royal Navy Admiral and Scottish peer, pasted to paper mount with his titles in typescript, the Vice Admiral of the Blue. Leaf measures approximately 13 x 7,5cm. Clipping measures approximately 4,5 x 2,25 cm. Signature retains a strong impression, very good condition. John Colville, 9th Lord Colville of Culross (1768-1849) was the son of John Colville, 8th Lord Colville of Culross and Amelia Webber. On 8 March 1811 he succeeded his father in the peerage, as 9th Lord Colville of Culross. He was elected a Representative Peer for Scotland in 1818, holding that position in Parliament for ten consecutive years. Colville's naval career with the Royal Navy began December 1775, at the remarkably young age of seven, as a Captain's servant on the Isis during the American War of Independence. In June 1781, still only thirteen years old, he was appointed midshipman on the Conqueror which was one of Sir George Rodney's fleet vessels engaged in his victory over the French at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. Rising in rank with the Royal Navy over the following years, he spent much time in the West Indies. In 1794 he was a First Lieutenant, participating in the capture of the French West Indian islands. He attained title of Rear Admiral in August 1819, assigned commander-in-chief of the Cork Station in Ireland, then an important anchorage used to guard the entrance to the English Channel and maintain the blockade of France. On 22 July 1830 he became Vice-Admiral of the Blue [Squadron], and on 23 November 1841 gained the rank of Admiral of the White, the second highest post. Amongst naval colleagues and social circles alike, he was highly respected. He first married Elizabeth Ford, sister of Sir Francis Ford Bart, 14 October 1790. His second wife was Hon. Anne Law, daughter of Edward Law, 1st Baron Ellenborough and Anne Towry, married 15 October 1841. London's Gentleman's Magazine, volume 185, published 1850, appears to have the most thorough biographical sketch of Lord Colville, when searching reasonably accessible sources. .