New Orleans/Georgia during the Civil War brings to mind running blockades. Could he have been talking about the ships called cutters? faukso = Fawke's ? Fox's? I no longer have a great regard for accepting things as spelled! Janice ************ Sorry, I thought I had sent the entire sentence, but I recently started using gmail.com, and frankly, it's confusing me. Anyway, here is the entire letter, which was written in Georgia on a small piece of paper, folded over and used as an envelope. It was addressed to siblings in N.O., where the family --originally from TN-- had moved a few years prior to the Civil War. The letterwriter died of cannonball wounds suffered near Atlanta. Note: I would prefer to keep the names private and hope you will forgive me, as this is not my own family. Dear * Siblings,* Your letter found me well but with little time for myself. I'm sorry for not writing to you sooner. But I hope to be with you someday soon if the fauksokutters do not get in; there are plenty of them some 50 miles from us. Your affectionate brother, *xyz* After all the help and suggestions I've received on this list, I, too, am inclined to think the word *fauksokutters *was 1) written as phonetically sounding to someone who may have been a bit familiar with French, but not proficient; 2) was based on the French word *faucheuse, a*nd 3) might have been slang in use at the time. Found online: ***faucheuse* *Cajun French * lawn mower<http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/lawn+mower> * French*** mower<http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/mower>. *cutting machine*. *reaper* *** idioms:* grim reaper la Faucheuse Thanks, everyone. I can't believe how helpful you've all been. --Tom **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001) To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html