David ... I'm just getting around to rechecking this message board. Your line "I'm descended from Lorenzo da Ponte" stirred my blood. I've done a lot of research on that line and I'd like to make a connection, although it's not my 'tree' by blood it is believed that one of my 'greats' was adopted by Lorenzo and his wife Ann Grahl (albeit legally or informally, I don't know). I know there's a da Ponte connection with Louisiana. If you think any of this ties into your work, contact me, I'll share. JAW