Dear Mr Cornwell, I have just finished reading your book “The Fort”. I have an interest in The French and Indian Wars and mostly tend to Pre Revolutionary history. The prevailing situations are very similar. In reading your notes a thought occurred to me, Perhaps Mr. Revere did steal the paymaster’s chest. That is why he did not want to lose his baggage to the British. Then, since the chest was given up as lost, he simply “didn’t disclose it’s existence in his watchful care”. This is possibly where he got the grubstake to start his industrial endeavors. A rumor exists in my family of some relatives of my grandfather robbing a bank in Western Mass. and hightailing it (back) to Canada, then returning to W.MA. and starting the family business (wait for it) Balise Chevrolet. I must say, I don’t know if there is any truth to this rumor. I had thought about passing the book on to friends, but, if you are willing and provide instructions, I will send it to you to have you sign it. Then I will keep it, I don’t have a whole lot of room, and usually don’t keep novels. I also have an interest in Viking history and enjoy the “Saxon Tales” immensely. One question if I may, how long does it take you, in the case of a novel like “The Fort”, to get from concept, through research, and to the finished work? I am working on getting home to New England (currently in Colorado) and hope that it works out soon (in the next year or so). Once home I should like to make your acquaintance, and thank you in person for your fine work. I see from your books that you live on the Cape, I grew up in Northampton and Amherst, in Hampshire County. Thanks again! Bob Balise