What is the argument really about? At issue is the assertion the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Carpenters are descendants of an 11th century French knight William ‘The Carpenter’ DeMelun. DeMelun was a sadist mass- murderer and twice deserter of the crusades. The individual who is pushing this groundless and distasteful theory intends to include it in his Year 2000 CD. This individual is a Mormon genealogist who believes in baptism of the dead, an ideology that hopes for the salvation of dead ancestors through proxy baptism. Even a completely wrong list of ancestors is something to be encouraged in the hope that, if a genealogy is correct, there then can be religious redemption for departed relatives. This is fine for believers, but for the rest of us, we do not wish to have our family history begin with one of the most despicable men in history, particularly when the whole matter is baseless. The genealogist interested in this theory will stop at nothing. He is uninterested in historical truth and will listen to no objections to his obsession. For myself, I feel that there is family honor involved here. This Mornmon may think he is saving his ancestors, but he is insulting mine. Will the Carpenter family allow this insult to the family name for the purpose of Mormon ideology? Speak up! Sincerely, Bruce E. Carpenter