TL16C2550 does not receive 0xFF value

I am running two TL16C2550's at 460800 baud 8N1 from two uProc boards.

The 2550's are connected as such:  uProc board #1 to first 2550, the output of first 2550 to a second 2550 that is connected to a second uProc board.

I use the INT line of the 2550 to read the data at the uProc.

I am able to pass all 8 bit values from 0x00 thru 0xFE but NOT 0xFF.  At the receive 2550 it just outputs 0x00.

I have tried putting a buffer between the two 2550's with no change and my serial analyzer shows good output data from the first 2550 (all 0xFF are ok)

I reversed the data direction with the same results.

I'm pulling what little hair I have left out.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

SV