Finally, issue 51 is in your hands.

I apologize for the delay in getting this issue out, but the last quarter of 1999 was, to put it mildly, hectic to the point that there wasn't even a 'weekend' for me. I appreciate your patience, and your frustration, and you'll be happy to know that the plan is to get issue 52 out by May.

Before I mention this issue's contributors, I'd like to say that the website for the magazine is in the works, and that I hope to have the first phase of the site up by the end of March. The registered domain name is www.zouavemagazine.com. The site will also have a publishing schedule and updates on the schedule, so for those of you with a computer, you'll be able to check.

To help me get this issue designed and printed, I want to thank designers Amanda Alaks, Kathy Manka and Scott Tully. Even more, I thank my lovely wife and partner in our graphic design business, Frani, for her support, both moral and financial.

Now, on the with this issue, which has a variety of articles that will be on interest to you. No doubt that you'll notice an abundance of photographs. More of you that are contributing articles are including photos of your tabletop setups, and I encourage that. Don't be shy, get that camera out and take some photos. Use lots of lighting when you can. Even reenactors are encouraged to send in interesting photos (see Ryan Toews' photo from the Chickamauga engagement later in this issue, and more in the next issue.)

First off I have a review of a wonderful documentary on Antietam. I encourage all to try to get a copy of this video, for it will either support or open your thoughts on Civil War combat in 1862. The director, Brad Graham, was very helpful for this article. Second, you'll find that veteran contributor George Anderson is back with a scenario on McLemore's Cove. For the background article on this battle, see issue 49. George has just made a career move to start his own business, and he'll be tremendously busy (as I surely know) for the next few months. He has assured me that he'll be back contributing more to the magazine. Let's all wish George the best of luck, and we hope to hear from him soon.

For you skirmish gamers, Charles Johnson-Bennett has another Sioux War's scenario, that is adapted for use with the BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER rules. If you can't get enough scenarios, George and Ryan, of Potomac Publications, with the help of The Last Square, have brought out their 8th scenario booklet. Lee Barnes presents, with John Hill's approval, his modifications to the charts for use with John's JOHNNY REB 111. You JR gamers will find the charts interesting and are presented as a loose supplement. Our English cousin, Martin Gane, has kindly allowed us to print his interview with designer Brian Riglesford of Redoubt, the creative company behind some great miniatures AND terrain for the 25mm ACW gamer..

Scott Mingus gives us another look at Australian MINIATURE WORLD MAKE R's 'ready-toplay' terrain. For the gamer that doesn't have the time, their's is a wonderful service. Curt Campbell, our Review Editor, is back again, with more product important reviews.

Pete English gives us an article on his ancestors that fought for the Union, and even though it isn't directly gaming related, I felt it important to remind us of the humanity and pathos involved in the war. Thank vou, Pete.

Finally, a word about the next issues to come out this year. We'll be doing some 'semi-special' issues on Cavalry engagements, 10mm figures and terrains, and more. Also, I do want to start a letters' section next issue, so get that pen (or mouse) sharpened. Oh, and did I mention to keep sending in the articles!!

Thank you readers.

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