Hull Nov 2 1808
My dear Sir/
	I do not choose to pay Mr Hall’s debts without first obtaining your approbation of the sum 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.
	Mr Hall’s Bills are as follow
To Mr Barnes for instruction in the art Of Ship building
26.  5
Carre of box 18/4 Cooper for bl’k paint 13/2
1. 11. 4
Northern for an ivory seal & drawing pen                             
17 –
Turner for drawing Instruments                                           
5. 16. 8
Wright & Bowden, wood for making mould                      
1. 13. 2
Clark & Lincoln for sawing the wood                                     
12. 6
Fras Brunton for making the moulds                                    
1. 6
Mrs Carter for Board & Lodging                                          
14. 17
For intend Journey to Carlisle & return                             
12. 12

£ 65.10.8
[f]
	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 20 or 30 Guineas on acct.— He has recvd £10.10.0 per Mr Scott which he has spent in journey to Leeds, in several journies to Paul with Mr Barnes to examine the Ship of the Line which is now constructing there &c &c.
Yours very truly
Thos Dikes