Gregg, I guess I suffer from my professional training. The only two areas I've every really studied have been American Archeology and Law. (Okay, and now slavery in northeast Missouri.) I was taught scientific archeology -- dig for information, not the classical European dig-for-goodies approach. In law, you always want the best evidence. People invariably make mistakes. It is human. I have seen many examples of it in Twain research before. I guarantee you that Ron Powers did not make up the mistake in Dangerous Water. He had a source for it. I'm sure it was quite authoritative. I have not looked to see what he footnoted to. I think most academics think in a paradigmatic fashion. They divide up into schools of thought and squabble like politicians -- only for less money. They subscribe to positions with religious fervor and toss opponents on the rack faster than Torquemada. They pack about in herds until they encounter an irresolvable conflict. This triggers a revolution in thinking and the pack goes careening off in another direction. (I've been reading Harrold Bloom recently and thus am considering giving up reading all together.) For the above reason, I tried to include as much original material as possible in my work. The criticism I've received most from people is that I included too much in the way of quotes and examples. Somebody referred to it as more of a source book. I found that flattering. I think primary material is far, far more important than the machinations of my simple mind. So to answer your question, I have the utmost faith in you, Bob, Shelley, -- all of you. You are great, brilliant people. I would like to have a brain transfusion from any one of you. But I think the answer to the question as to which Cross was which isn't, "It is Samuel because Professor So-and-so says so." The better answer is, "It was Samuel Cross who Sam remembered as corroborated by census records and church records." Now, as regards my reliability, every word I wrote was spoken to me by an angel. Every citation was revealed through divine intervention. Next time you are in Hannibal, I will show you the golden plates. It is okay to question some things, Gregg, but leave revealed truth alone. Me and W are in agreement on that one. Amen, Terrell P.S. I wretch when other people use the word paradigm.