Darrell A. Martin wrote: <<<<Hi, Carole and list: I'm puzzled. I thought I was AGREEING with you, and applauding your efforts. If you believe that in cutting some of the original message (strictly to avoid pointless repetition, which I find mildly irritating when I am on the receiving end) I have misstated your position, I apologize. What I thought I was agreeing with was this: First, that in the period more or less soon after the Conquest, the Dutton family claimed certain connections with one or more families the Continent. Second, that earlier professional genealogists had dismissed these traditional connections. Third, that since this was done, few have bothered to reexamine the question with an open mind. Fourth, that whether or not a specific paper trail exists, you believe that the search is worthwhile, and that there very well may be sufficient credible evidence to support those earliest, traditional claims. You have been seeking out such evidence, and have shared your findings with us. Darrell Darrell A. Martin formerly of the Dutton District, Springfield, Vermont currently in exile in Addison, Illinois darrellm@sprynet.com>>>> ____________________________ Hi Darrell, I thought you were agreeing with me, too, but when the message was cut, it took on a different meaning and I just wanted to make sure that my original meaning was retained. The snip made it look, to me, like I was agreeing with the experts. That is why I wanted to reclarify my message. Maybe no one else read it that way, but I couldn't be sure. Your summary above is perfect and stated more clearly than my original post (at least, I think so!). Carole