I have Robert Stewart's article to thank for bringing much of this to my attention. He did an excellent job of research into the life of Reuel (Ruel) Gridley. Also, I was unaware of that unfortunate bit of journalistic license, the Miscegenation Hoax, that was the likely cause for Twains departure from Washoe. I have added a small essay to my page on Chapter 45 of Roughing It for those interested. http://bscottholmes.com/twain/roughingit/chapter45 -- There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. http://bscottholmes.com