Chronicles of the American Civil War is a two-part series of almost equal number of pages each. These books are revised editions of a six-book collection under the title, The Camden Confederate or The Camden Weekly Confederate of Camden, South Carolina. Those titles are the nameplates of the weekly newspaper from which the text were derived. The news reported in this small-town newspaper are, as nearly as possible, word-for-word as they appeared in each edition of the newspaper. There is no secret kept of the source of this newspaper. Anyone could have captured these reports the same as this "editor" did. The newspaper pages are in digitized format at the Library of Congress' Chronicaling America. All the editor has done is save the reader sugnificant eye-strain in his attempt to "Capture and Preserve America's History for Future Generations." Below is the editorial and publishing policies contained in the first week's edition of The Camden Confederate. Those policies were for the most part followed in each weekly edition. "FRIDAY, NOVEMBER. 1, 1861, –––––––––––– Introductory. The initial number of the Camden Confederate will be sent forth this week as an applicant for the favor and patronage of our generous public. The absence of a weekly paper in the District, since the temporary suspension of the Journal—in consequence of its editor going into service—has been badly felt by a large majority of the business and reading community of Camden and the entire District, and who are anxious to have the want supplied—there being no reasonable hope of an early cessation of hostilities, that our former editor might be able to resume the duties editorial. Through the solicitation of many friends and the citizens generally, we have consented to undertake the laborious and responsible duties attending all similar enterprises. We shall use every exertion in our power, both mental and physical, to render The Confederate an acceptable and warmly greeted visitor at every fireside, counting room and place of business, where the district paper has become one of the "prime necessities of the age." We have had many kind friends to offer us every assurance that our undertaking shall not be permitted to fail. Nor will it, if properly supported by our citizens. Such encouragement falls with cadence soft upon our ears, and nerves our hand and heart for renewed efforts to please and gratify. In conclusion, permit us to say that it shall be our aim to come fully up to the reasonable expectations of our friends; and we deem it necessary and proper to state in this, the outset of our enterprise, what our position may be. With regard to the public affairs of the day, we shall pursue an entirely independent, open course, always reserving to ourself the right of censure or plaudit, where either is deserving—giving our opinions without fear and with candor upon any question of moment that may arise; and should we differ with any of our friends, as differ we probably may, we shall express that difference honestly and candidly. With regard to the present administration of Government affairs, we are content to repose the most. unbounded confidence in the ability and zeal of our President and generals to carry out successfully the views of our true Southerns, both civil and military. We deem it unnecessary to say more, as in these troubled times it would be folly to attempt to define party lines, if any there be." So, with this being said, read with enthusiasm the news reports—page by page. I think you will find these interesting and informative. As you will see, though its editorial bent to the Confederacy, The Camden Confederate maintained a fair and balanced approach in each edition. You will find news reports from a wide variety of news sources, including Northern, Southern and European outlets.