"By the way, do you think that Edmond Ruffian fired the first shot as tradition has it? "

Frank, I don't know if Mr. Ruffin fired the first shot, but he fired one of the last, into his brain, rather than live under what he considered a tyrannical government. BTW he was not just a wild eyed fanatic; he was from a prominent family, had extensive holdings in Virginia, and was an astute businessman. Stan