In a message dated 7/16/2000 20:02:22 PM Pacific Daylight Time, GERMAN-KINGDOMS-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: > Can someone help me translate the following: > > Hulfs-Houtbist (The u has an umlaut) > > Putting it in context: > > Hulfs-Houtbist im Konigl. 39. Inf. Reg. (o in Konigl. also with umlaut) > Probably "Hilfs-Hautboist," Second Oboe in the regimental band. (Thode, Ernest; German-English Genealogical Dictionary) If this was a Prussian unit, then it would be Nr. 39 (Fusilier) Regiment der Infanterie, rated "very good" by Friedrich der Grosse. During the Seven Years War stationed at Prenzlau and Mohrin in Pommerania. Recruited from all over and "Almost three-quarters of the complement were foreigners." (Duffy, Christopher; The Army of Frederick the Great; Hippocrene 1974)