Thank you, cousin. I'm touched, and I'm not referring to my mental state. I think you and I share this "need" for historical accuracy, as is represented by the content of your "History of the Cherokees" website and your postings and communications I've seen with other historians. Maybe, it's our Native-American background and the perpetuation of myth and untruths related to that history or, on a personal level, maybe it's because of some of the personalities in our family who prefer fiction to fact. Whatever the reason, I appreciate your congratulatory posting and I hope you take mutual pride in the award. In fact, the very nature of these sites does not allow me to accept full credit for their content, as they are the product of hundreds, perhaps thousands of dedicated historians and genealogists.

"... life-long friend and mentor." It's good enough just being your cousin.

JW