In a message dated 3/4/2005 3:00:15 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, Bruce writes: << What about 17th century usage of the word "captain"? What does the OED have to say? >> OED: "In the army: The officer who commands a company of infantry or foot artillery, or a troop of cavalry or horse artillery, ranking between the major and the lieutenant." Earliest usage presented is from 1567. At this point, though, we have yet to document that William2 of Rehoboth received such a commission. It's in the present century that some individuals insist on calling him captain. Gene Z.