Wondering if anyone is researching Pottinger/ Potanger in Pictou or Pictou Co area- I have a copy of an old letter- 1823- that may be of interest- and am trying to figure out the connection to my Thomsons from Ponds, Pictou Co, originally from the "Queen of the Isles," Westray in Orkney. (one son of my emigrating ancestors Thomas & wife Elizabeth Burger, was David Pottinger Thomson) Also have copy of apprenticeship indenture of 1812 for John or James Muirhead orig from Dumfriesshire (?) who was apprenticed as a blacksmith by my 4x grgrf Thomas Thomson of Gulf Shore (Ponds). Muirhead may have wound up a prominent citizen in Summerside years later- not sure if he's the one mentioned in Alan Rankin's history of Summerside although it is mentioned there Muirhead was from "Merigomish". Of interest to me at least the apprenticeship was for " the term of three years and three months", and that any day missed for any reason "by day or night...under the penalty of serving two days for each days absence ." Should either party fail to meet the obligations of the agreement 20 pounds was to be paid to the other, quit a bit of cash in those days. Also mentioned in the indenture paper are John Ferguson and David Murray , Yoeman (sic) of Merigomish. cheers Thompson in PEI