My God, Susan, we are related!!!!!
Same coat of arms, all you said is in the documents I have along with a full
"limpieza de sangre" documented paper trail back to before 1715....the work of transcribing is not complete yet. There are earlier documents yet to be looked at.
I am SO happy to hear from you, I do not know for sure but it sounds as if we are cousins.
My father was Alejandro del Valle Suero, my brother also, he died in the Bay of Pigs effort in 1961.
I am the only male left in our family, to my knowledge and I have two sons and one daughter, all married with children (three of which are boys!)
My grandfather and his father built the Palacio del Valle in Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos.
My Phone is (334) 502-4170
fax=......4172
356 Estate ave.
Auburn, AL. 36830
I truly believe we are related and thus I have the "family book" information available to you, if interested, as soon as the work of transcribing and translating is done....maybe two more months.
No the Smithonian is not doing this work but are interested in displaying the book during a Hispanic program of some sort, nothing is formal yet but Dr. Bretos has expressed possible interest to do so.
I have microfilmed the entire work for safekeeping in separate vaults.
The original is in yet another safe place.
This family treasure is unique, I hope someday you will get to see the original, page thru it and feel the amazing feelings and thoughts I get when I examine it. Our ancestors went thru great pains to preserve this complete lineage record across many countries and many, many marriages, etc.
an incredible foresight and dedication.
Very glad to hear from you, please keep in touch and feel free to contact us directly anytime.
Amalia del Valle, my aunt in Peru will be thrilled to hear you are around.

Regards,

jorge