I'm leaning towards the suggestion that it's French. You mentioned that the letter was sent to New Orleans. Perhaps the French Quarter? I checked Civil War slang and came up with nothing even close. Maybe it's French Civil War slang. I agree with Westview, it would help if we knew the context... ____________________________________________________________ Free information on vast array of home improvement projects. Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3nHrl5T01d5t5EMmIKLnTv2w1CzaehH6vrxWUs5C0VXi1HdC/ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html