Hello there big fan of your books, and I thought I would let you know a little family history I have recently uncovered that shows just goes to show that fiction can reflect fact! Found that my husband’s direct ancestor, John Christian Francke, joined the HEIC as a Private in 1776, and made Major by 1819, in India. Incredible rise through the ranks for those days! Organised the gun carriages for Seringapatam, and have found he had a memoir written about him in 1833 that includes several letters to him from Arthur Wellesley. (IOR) Francke is a bit of a mystery – his memoir says his real name was J.C. Rudolph, born in Saxony, and “against his own will and inclination” ended up in England in the late 1770’s. Probably broke, which explains why he joined the HEIC. He lived to 78, died in Trichinopoly, still broke! Still, he died a happy man, having fathered at least 15 children with at least 4 women…Not everyday you find out that your children’s’ ancestor breakfasted with the future Duke of Wellington! Just thought I would share a real-life slightly-like-Sharpe character with you. Always good to find a hero in the family! All the Best. Sue Winch