In a message dated 1/4/99 9:16:21 AM Pacific Standard Time, CATEACHSC@aol.com writes: << CATEACHSC@aol.com >> Please don't go down that road of Melungeon IF your information came from a Mr. Kennedy of Wise Co. Va. I began my own research 30 years ago of my families with very STRONG roots in Wise, Russell, Dickenson Co., Va and Pike and Letcher Co., Ky. All the names, and in fact some of my own families, mentioned by Mr. Kennedy as being Melungeons HAVE NOT BEEN SUBSTANTIATED BY HIM, and while I would find it intriguing and interesting to have links to this very distinct group of people, NOTHING HE HAS WRITTEN has any validity. He has NOT researched any of these lines, and only makes suppositions. I have his book, sent to me by him, and I have written him telling him what I believe is his injustice to people who really want to know their family roots. When I first began my own research, I was made aware that there were clans of such Melungeons in the mountains around Beuna Vista, VA, some by the name of Collins. I would NOT find it offensive to be an offspring of them. What I DO find offensive is his complete disregard for real facts. Even when I pointed out to him that he had children belonging to people who did NOT belong, his only response was "well this is a work in progress". I also have other information that will DISPROVE his crazy theories about the MULLINS (I can't speak for Collins since I have never researched that line). My name is Carrol Hurley Ullrich and my e-mail is as listed.