Hull 2 November 1808
My dear Sir
	I do not choose to pay Mr Halls debts without first obtaining your approbation of the sums specified. He seems a good Man & I learn from a very able judge that he has made great proficiency in the art of ship building. Mr Barnes, I am persuaded, has taken great pains with him.
	I have enquiries respecting Miss Barreh, and I learn, that, during her residence in Suffolk, she conducted herself in a very unexceptionable manner. I hope that she will make Cowper a good wife, if she shd be united to him, you, by seeing & conversing with her, may be able to form some idea on the subject. [f]
	Perhaps you may have an opportunity of learning how she conducted herself in London.
Mr Hall’s Bills are as follows

£   S   D
To Mr Barnes for instruction
26  5   0
Carriage of Box
18  4
Cooper for black paint
13  0
Northern for an ivory scale & drawing pen
17  0
Turner for drawing Instruments
5  16  8
Wright and Borden for wood for making moulds           
1  13  2
Clark & Lincoln for sawing the wood
12  6
Francis Branton for making the moulds
1   6   0
Mrs Carter for Board & Lodging
14  17  0
For intented [sic] journey to Carlisle & return &c
12  12  0

65  10  8 I have examined the bills I Believe them very right & proper. If you give me commission to draw upon you for 65.10.8 I will advance the whole sum: in the mean time, I will let Hall have twenty or thirty Guineas on acct.  He has recd £10.10.0 from Mrs Scott which he has spent in journeys to Leeds [f] in several journies to Paul with Mr Barnes to examine the ship of the Line, which is now constructing there &c &c. You must tell me where I must draw upon you i.e where I must specify in the bill your residence.
	I was from home when your letter arrived. I have not learnt the particulars of the revolution in new south wales, but I am glad, that you suppose it may eventually turn out for the good of the colony.  The wonderful power of God is exhibited in a very striking manner, in his bending the purposes of Men into a [different] direction from what they intend and causing [even] bad passions to subserve his glory.
I remain, dear Sir, Yours very truly
Thos Dikes
Hull
Nov.2. 1808