Let's be precise. Rolfe was simply a gentleman, [not "a wealthy class of gentlemen"] and according to Beverly he married up not down. BTW is there any evidence of family influence in any of his three documented marriages? >probably under >ordinary circumstances he never would have been allowed to >marry outside his class. But since Rebecca was a 'princess', that may have >made a difference. Philip Barbour, 1971 p. 162: "another tradition, apparently started in 1703 in Robert Beverly's History, says that King James was on the verge of throwing John Rolfe in the Tower for marrying a royal princess without first obtaining his permission. _________________________________________________________________ With tax season right around the corner, make sure to follow these few simple tips. http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/PreparationTips/PreparationTips.aspx?icid=HMFebtagline To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html