I received an email from "Lucy" on Wednesday which was exactly one month from the day we first spoke in November. So, the good news is that it appears I'm on her calendar for the 14th of each month. However, I have to say I was a little confused by the email I received. Here is the text:
"Hi Mitch, I have assigned a researcher to your case. I believe I told you from the beginning that he is a very experienced researcher but his case load is long. For this reason, it does take several months before the work is completed.
I wanted you to be aware of this time wait so you would know when I send updates what is happening."
With Regards,
"Lucy"
My translation: Nothing has happened since November and nothing will happen until "several" months from now.
In my conversation with "Lucy" a month ago, she told me she had assigned my case to a researcher who is extremely good and is the "go-to guy" with cases involving Colonial America. She also told me that this researcher was finishing up on some school work and that his case load was long but she assured me that this was the dude we wanted on the case. I told her then that I was not in a hurry and was willing to wait several months (at least six months) for a good product. We reviewed my written goals and she assured me we would talk in a month. My reply to the email received on Wednesday follows:
Hi Lucy,
You did inform me of the case log and also of the researcher's work on obtaining an additional degree. I am not in a hurry....you told me it could be 6 months or more before the casework is completed. I would rather you take all of the time you need and not rush. Since we are just beginning, I am not sure what I'm expecting with the monthly updates. I was thinking there would be some progress as we go. Are you saying that I won't really be getting any information or "peeks" into the search until the end? I was curious as to whether or not you were able to contact "Gene Hunter" (referred to in Post 2; paragraph 2 as"da man"). Also, several friends suggested I start a blog to journal this process so I have and it's getting a good following. I have already met three cousins I never knew before and have made a few new friends.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Mitch Sutton
So, it appears the email was our first report and it also appears that I misunderstood how this would go. What I heard in our November call was that work would start but would take months to complete because of the researcher's case load. I may yet get clarification from "Lucy", but I now think that we will not be getting any substantial updates until the case is actually started. "Lucy" always maintained this was going to take some time and I am willing to wait however long it takes. I can see an upcoming post entitled, "I Can't Wait Until Mid June, July or August" What is the old adage? Good things come to those who wait? After all, we've waited this long.....another year won't be so bad. I'll let you all know as soon as events transpire.
In the event we don't talk for awhile, I want to take this oppotunity to thank you all for your interest in this project. Keep those comments and suggestions coming! Lastly, I want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a most Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!
Oh! I saw the following post in one of the Ancestry.com message boards today.
John Sutton Sr. was born,April 2,1732 in Prince Georges Co.,Maryland.Died 1832 in Jackson Co.,North Carolina. John had 3 wives. Polly's mother was John's second wife,a Cherokee Indian (name unknown). Polly was born in 1794 & married Thomas Millsaps
Now, that's another hard right turn in the road!.....I thought it was fairly well established that John was born in England and immigrated to America in 1755. And..... this post doesn't mention the name of the wife we actually know...Aggie Lossiah. From the message board post, one could then make the argument that there were two wives who were of Native-American descent so maybe, just maybe I am part Cherokee again after all!! Just another example of why I'm doing this project! To eliminate as many of these contradictions as we possibly can!
Next Time: "How're those New Year's Resolutions working out for you?"
and now I'll leave you with a little seasonal humor!
