This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Gardiner Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JiB.2ACE/590 Message Board Post: Hi, I'm from the UK and I have been handed a very old letter that I suspect to date from somewhere around 1845 - 1890 that was sent from here in the UK. I have learnt that Grimes County was formed 1846 now so that I hope cuts down my time frame for this letter. This letter was addressed to William Gardiner Navasata Grimes County Texes United States America I am aware of the spelling mistakes, but that is the way it looks to be written on the letter. It was sent by his Neice, Ruby Gardiner from somewhere in teh region of Alton, Hampshire in the south of the UK. Unfortunately the stamp and about a quarter of the letter have been torn off so I cannot date the letter. I also do not know how the letter found it's way back to the UK, I assume William brought it back, but none of my remaining family know who William or Ruby were so I cannot be sure. I guess that when this letter was sent that Navasota would have been a very small place? Does anyone know of any Gardiner families in the area? Is it possible a British Army unit could have been in the area or would it be around the time/area of the Gold Rush (I apologise for my lack of US geographical knowledge) or does anyone have any idea what a British person would be doing there at that time. A search through the census' has pulled up a blank so any hints or clues would be greatly appreciated. For those that are curious I have uploaded a page from the letter with this post.