With the first issue out of the way and some experience at doing this, the editors have settled down to reading the mail and looking for ways to improve our magazine. I was relatively pleased by our first issue, but soon noticed some flaws in both content and structure that could use some work. All suggestions given to us have been read and many have been acted upon. It is my sincere hope that the quality of THE ZOUAVE gets better each time. Issue #2 contains the first of many articles which were written by actual combatants in the Civil War. This was made possible through a purchase of rare magazines and manuscripts written shortly after the war which we are able to reprint for the improvement of our member's knowledge of events as told by eyewitnesses. While such articles may not directly relate to miniature wargaming, they bring out the truth, bravery and new information which is so necessary to set the scene for miniature reenactments. Of interest to some of our collector members, we are offering for sale some original copies of Confederate Veteran's Magazine from the early 1900's. One problem that we are currently facing is the lack of articles submitted to us by members. This will, if it continue, eventually effect the quality of THE ZOUAVE. Clay and I have our own areas of interest, which we would be happy to continue writing about, but if we have to fill many pages with our own thoughts, there will be very little diversity. It is hard to write quality pages if we must also furnish quantity it keeps any one article from being thoroughly researched and well organized. The deadline for charter membership has now passed and all new applicants as of March 1st will be listed as regular members. While both types of members will be afforded contests and prizes, along with receiving THE ZOUAVE, charter members will be given discounts for future offerings and will have certain other privileges extended by the Society for helping us in our infancy. With the large number of conventions going on, it is impossible for the editors to travel to all of them. Members who are planning to hold scenarios, etc. at any conventions are requested to contact the editor so that such events can be publicized in our magazine. When possible, the ACU Society will attempt to obtain prizes to be given out at convention games. Many members have requested that we list the names and addresses of our membership to assist them in finding other hobbyists in their area. We intend on doing this at a later date. To print them now would be to leave out many names of people who are in the process of joining. To compensate for this, if you are putting ort a scenario or running a game, let us know via a note. We will print the information, giving others a chance to contact you. Such would also apply if you are seeking members to form or join a club. We will, in future issues of the magazine carry a "bulletin board", which will carry announcements, along with "wanted" and "for sale" advertisements. The only requirement is that all ads must stick to ACW projects or items. There will be no charge for use of the bulletin board, but we ask you to keep all messages brief, while also giving the necessary information. A NOTE UN THE NEXT ISSUE Space permitting, we have a bundle of articles which will go into the next issue of THE ZOUAVE. Much of Issue #3 will be devoted to the Battle of Cedar Mountain. A scenario, complete with orders of battle and maps will be included, along with a personal account of the engagement by a member of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, and a narrative of the battle to assist garners in playing out the scenario. Other assorted articles (space permitting) include an overview of the New Orleans Washington Artillery during the war, carbines of the ACW, and information on the flags of the Iron Brigade. These are articles already in the works. On a final note, there have beer, several requests for' random factors tables to be used with Scotty Bowden's rules set, Stars N Bars. Because that rules set uses different terminology, we may consider publishing a separate set of random factors tables. Another reason to do this would be to correct some omissions made in Issue #1, plus to refine the figures and give more complete data. Research done by the editors during the last 2 months will allow for much complete coverage of the variables used. If you would like to see this done (and players using any rules set will find the new tables to be better) please write in as soon as possible. Back to The Zouave Vol I No. 2 Table of Contents Back to The Zouave List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 1987 The American Civil War Society This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com