Hi, I received the following two messages from one of our new list members, Robert Judice. Robert sent it to me and I thought it was interesting and asked if I might share it with the rest of you. He attached a link to the painting of Pierre Degruy that many of you have seen; but, as no attachments can be posted to Degruy-l because of Rootsweb rules, I am unable to forward that. If you've never seen the painting of Pierre Degruy [in the La State Museum, contact me offline and I'll forward it to you] I am italicizing the very interesting parts of his message. Wouldn't it be something if we could get Antoine Valentines baptismal certificate in French!!! And what about the note to Bienville! Surely would love to see that as well!! This is exciting! Robert's message: <<Pierre Verlon de Gruy by unidentified artist.htm>> Thought you would be interested in this portrait of Pierre Verloin DeGruy supposedly painted in 1822 now in the collection of the Louisiana State Museum. Marie Francoise Hyacinthe Verloin DeGruy married Antoine Boutte and three of their daughters married three Judice brothers. Jacques Judice married Marie Louise Hyacinthe Boutte which is my direct ancestor. I certainly look forward to your E-Mails and the information they provide. I am in contact with a fellow SAR in France who is helping locate the baptismal record of the first DeGruy who came over as a officer in the French Navy and baptized either the parish church of Versailles or the Royal Chapel in the Palace, if successful, will send you a copy. Part of another message from Robert: You may post it if you wish to the others. His father apparently was an officer in the army and was at Versailles...... I am looking for a copy of a note written by the conte de Maurepas to Bienville sent to me by a distant cousin. This note was an introduction of Ensign DeGruy to Bienville and when found will send you a copy. I have to admit I'm a little confused by this. We know that Antoin Valentine Degruÿsverloin was born in France at Versailles. But his Father???? Was Antoine's Father also an officer in the army and at Versailles or is this mixing up Antoine with his Father..... Perhaps I am misunderstanding....We'll see....Anyway lots of interesting possibilities here..... Thanks, Robert!