Leeds April 1, 1809 Sir I just send you a Line to inform you that William Hall is ready for his Mission whenever the Society may think proper to call upon him— From the Reports I have had respecting him, I am happy to say that he has made very great Improvements in every Branch of the Arts he had been learning— I have no doubt, but he now would be able to build a Vessel complete, should any necessity call upon him to do this in any of the Islands where Providence may cast them [sic]— He has also learned navigation, so as to be able at any future time to find his way to New South Wales from New Zealand, which may hereafter prove [f] a great Safety and Comfort to the Mission at large, should divine Goodness prosper the attempts. Without the Knowledge of Ship building, and a little navigation I should not think the missionaries would either be so safe or usful [sic]. Building Boats, which are of such infinite Value to the natives, and will find immediate employment for them, will have a great Effect upon the minds of the natives, and induce them both to esteem, and attend to the missionaries— William Hall will want a few weeks to get married, and to prepare for his Voyage. Captain Skelton informed me when in London that he intended to go out about May— Should this be the Case it will be time to make some arrangement about the missionaries going out— should the Society send them out with Skelton— [f] I expect to be in London very soon, when I will call upon you, but I thought it would be proper that you should report to the Society at their next meeting that William Hall was ready— When I return to Hull, I will get his Accounts and transmit them to you— I have not met with a Smith yet that will answer— I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant Saml Marsden Revd Jos. Pratt