Hi Alison These were Covenanters, people who were banished because they believed in the Scottish Presbyterian style of worship and refused to accept the English Episcopalian church. Primarily, the Scots refused to accept the English king as head of the church, believing, as they still do, that Jesus is the head. The Covenanters eventually won and Presbyterianism was restored in 1690, but not after many people died or were transported for their cause. Regards Ian. Researching Family History in Dumfries & Galloway ~ and beyond. Please visit my Website: http://www.imchad.freeola.com -----Original Message----- From: Roland and Alison deCaen [mailto:decaenr@shaw.ca] Sent: 13 October 2004 00:20 To: DUMFRIES-GALLOWAY-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [D-G LIST] Scotch Prisoners Sent to Massachusettts, 1652 Fascinating ---------What happened at this time to warrent their being sent or is it just a collection of rag, tag and bobtail ? Alison in Calgary - --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.775 / Virus Database: 522 - Release Date: 08/10/04 ________________________________________________________________________ 160 hours freephone internet - £12.99 - the cheapest around! FREE unlimited web space, e-mail & domain hosting www.freeola.com