In a message dated 10/5/2005 4:00:44 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, BAVARIA-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: My ancestor is Johannes Schroeder b. 1769. His passport was issued March 28, 1820 (to travel with family). It was issued by the royal Bavarian Government of Rhinecircle. What is or was the royal Bavarian Government of Rhinecircle? Hi Deane: If the original German word was "Rheinkreis," Rhinecircle is not the best translation. Although "Kreis" can mean circle, in this context it refers to an administrative district that is somewhat similar to our county. This district/county was established in 1816 and was part of Bavaria which then had a monarchy; hence "Royal Bavarian Government." Today, I think the area is referred to as the "Rheinland-Palatinate." The following site has more information: _http://en.wiki.genealogy.net/index.php/Bavaria_Administrative_Organization_ (http://en.wiki.genealogy.net/index.php/Bavaria_Administrative_Organization) Paul