The American Civil War community is large and diverse. You can enter "Civil War"+America at www.google.com and .20 seconds later the system tells you it has indexed 755,000 pages meeting this criteria (February 19, 2002). How do you filter this avalanche of new information?

In The Trenches is a monthly electronic newsletter designed to help the Civil War enthusiast locate new sources of information and programs. We'll provide the 100,000 foot view, hitting the high points with just enough information for you to gain an understanding of the activity.

We cannot cover everything, however, we will attempt to bridge the numerous Civil War communities -- Round Table programs, Reenactors and Reenactments, and Battlefield Preservation efforts. You will find How-To's that help ferret out new research sources -- either historical or genealogical.

Roll Call is your opportunity to learn about new content posted on A Soldier's General, or new activity taking place in the discussions or chats.

We will focus on the major units Lafayette McLaws served in: The Army of Northern Virginia and his detached time in East Tennessee, and the Carolinas Campaign and alert you to new web sites or resources that deal with the armies he served in.