John, I was looking at the old patent index - yes, Index 55. The information was arranged by tract name (I wore out my eyes looking through them all!). Some of the cards state that the properties are now in Sussex, Wicomico or Worcester county. The dates range from the late 1600's to the early 1700's. So basically what you are telling me is that I'm at the mercy of the Maryland State Archives? I have applied for and received a User ID and password for mdlandrec. As fate would have it, the user guide will not load up from the web site. So I've tried to navigate (not too successfully) through that web site. Very frustrating. Is it me? Or does anyone find this particular web site a bit user UNfriendly? Thank you for your response and words of wisdom and experience, John. You are and have been a great help to me and many others on this list. Teresa A. Derrickson nee Chandler **************Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)