This issue marks the end of Volume VI, which means that all subscriptions expire and need to be renewed if you wish to receive the four issues in Volume VII. Please take a few moments to fill out the enclosed subscription renewal form and return it to me with your payment for Volume VII. The good news is that subscription prices will remain the same at $20.00 per year for domestic subscribers and $25.00 for members who live outside the USA. Members who reside outside of North America will receive their copies via surface mail, but for an additional $5.00 per year (or $30.00 in total), it will be delivered by airmail.

I had intended to publish a membership directory based on the subscriber base for Volume VI, but then it occurred to me that some members may have valid reasons for keeping their address unlisted. So when you return your subscription renewal form, please check off your approval to be included in the membership directory. This will probably be published in January.

Finally, the next issue will be mailed during October or November, rather than September (as stated on the cover), but I intend to get back on schedule for the remaining issues in Volume VII.

I plan to stick with the "modus operandi" of covering the mid 18th Century period in chronological order, so this means that most of Volume VII will focus on the years 1745 to 1748. One issue out of four will depart from ttiis schedule so that we can look at a potpourri of topics that do not fall conveniently into our time slot. This issue's coverage of the Jacobite Rebellions is an example of the "and now for something completely different" tone that I would like to take every fourth issue. It gives us an excuse to look at topics such as the Corsican Rebellion of 1768, the Ottoman Empire in the 18th Century, events in the Carribean theater, or more of the Nabobs and Screaming He-Devils from India.

The Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 has always been one of my more sentimental favorite historical periods. Perhaps it is a combination of my interest in Scotland and its culture on the one hand, and my affinity for "lost causes" on the other hand. I'm the sort of person who could watch the movie Waterloo a hundred times and still be convinced that this time the Old Guard will successfully sweep the British off of the ridge of Mont St. Jean.

Likewise, Bonnie Prince Charlie represents one of history's great lost causes. The entire spectrum of Jacobite efforts to restore the Stuarts to the British throne is an endless string of "what ifs". Change a few variables here and there and the Stuarts might have won the day. What if the Prince had been able to convince his followers to continue the march on London rather than turning around at Derby? What if a severe storm had not occurred in 1744--could the English home troops defeat the Prince and the great Marshal Saxe and an army of 10,000 French troops? There are so many exatnples like this throughout the history of the Jacobite Rebellions between 1689 and 1746. So many what ifs, and so many shattered hopes for the Jacobites. One can only conclude that it just wasn't meant to be.

I hope that readers enjoy our coverage of the Jacobite Rebellions. My objective is to peak your interest in the period and to provide you with enough information to wargame the rebellion; hence the inclusion of a guide to wargaming products, army organization data, and painting tips designed to help you overcome your fear of painting Highland tartans. It's rather coincidental that Old Glory has just introduced a new line of 15mm figures for the Jacobite Rebellion. Their figures are simply fantastic and I can hardly wait to get back to the painting table and give them a try. I may end up owning two Jacobite armies: one for Age of Reason games at 60:1 scale, and the other using Rusty's Rules at a 20:1 scale. The latter will enable me to field 30 man British regiments and Highland clans of 15 to 25 castings, all with Old Glory figures.

Finally, chronological order has given short shift to our coverage of the French & Indian Wars in North America, but I intend to make up for this by devoting one of the next four issues to the British Colonists capture of Fort Louisburg in 1745. I would welcome any articles about Louisburg or related topics in North America (i.e. flags, uniforms, regimental histories, personality profiles, etc.) for that particular issue.

In closing, I want to thank all of the members, advertisers and authors for their support and for allowing me the privilege and honor of serving you. I'll see you next issue.

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