Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Mark Skelton – 4 Oct 1793

M Skelton Esqr                                                                                Newcastle  Octor 4th 1793

      Birthwaite near Wakefield Yorkshire



Dr Sir	I wrote to you the 29th Ulto to wch I refer you _ The enclosed will inform you what progress has been respecting the Affairs of Walter Hall & Co  I<t> appeared at the Meeting that a Majority of the Creditors were of Opinion that a Statute of Bankruptcy was the most Advisable Measure for the settling this which is involved in such a variety of Claims etc but a difficulty arising as to the obtaining a Statute (the Halls having cautiously avoided committing an Act of Bankruptcy) I<t> was thought Advisable that an Assignment of the Effects of Walter Hall & Co should be taken the very Act constituting an act of Bankruptcy when any one, or more of the Creditors may have it in their power to Sue out a Statute.  I declined signing the resolutions untill I knew Mr Beaumonts sentim[en]ts on that head; being of opinion that the most advisable (& indeed the only) means of settling this business & coming at the truth of certain transactions is by a Statute of Bankruptcy, of consequence the approving & recommending another method would be improper & inconsistent _ Mr Heron has been desired to procure a Copy of the late Dr Halls Will after it has been laid before Mr Williamson for his opinion you shall hear from me _ I was told Yesterday that Mr Beaumont was much indisposed with a severe cold & sore throat which I shall be happy to hear contradicted                                              I am etc   J.E.B