I think Larry may have the answer. Upon reflection, I note that in Virginia during the French and Indian wars (in this case, circa 1758-60 or so), there were several forts established in what was then Hampshireshire County in the upper drainages of the Potomac River. Most of these forts appear to have been fortified dwelling houses, often fortified by the addition of a palisade wall. I suspect that Larry's "Dwelling House & wall" was something similar. For information about one such fort, Google on Fort Edwards and study the archeology reports. Mike Poston Rockville, Maryland Larry wrote: >WRG, > >Yesterday I wrote: > >WRG, >While reviewing deeds recently, one presented a phrase regarding the sale of a "Dwelling House & wall" on a one half acre lot that proved a bit baffling. > The place and date was coastal Maine in 1765 where sporadic Indian attacks had occurred over the previous twenty years, but had lessened of late. I suspect >"wall" may connote a barricade of sorts without the premises of the house, but in this case may actually be a secure doubled partition within the cellar >for safety during an attack. I am mindful that a "wall" could reference a spring, however I don't recall ever having seen a spring included within a deed. > The word is definitely "wall", not "well"as one would want to believe. Has anyone encountered this same or similar phraseology in their research that >might help lead to a resolution? > >***Through a bit more research today, I was able to find a reference to a similarly constructed house in the immediate area under review. To discourage or ward off Indian attacks the house or so-called garrison house was encircled with a large ten foot "log wall". The rear of the dwelling was actually built as part of the wall. It is interesting to note that many small settlements at this time of Indian hostilities had a number of garrisons that were dissimilar in appearance from the garrison house, but did house a family. I have to suppose that the deed reference to "Dwelling House & wall" was one person's way of describing his barricaded domicile. > >Thanking all for their kind indulgence, every day offers a new challenge! > >Larry > > > >