Bernard I have never written to an author before, but having recently taken a huge interest in the Napoleonic Wars from the British Army angle, because my family have recently discovered that 5 of our ancestors were killed at Waterloo, I simply had to drop you a line. I am reading recommended factual text eg ‘Wellington at Waterloo (Weller)’ but am also working through your Sharpe novels, and I have to say – for me they really bring it all to life! I think the way you mix building characters in exciting but realistic fiction with fact, is what helps to bring it to life – an example that springs vividly to mind is your subtle episode where the 13 redcoats that were taken prisoner by the Tippoo Sultan and executed by his henchmen (one of whom was Hakeswill who was spared) in your book – I discovered that this indeed did happen at Seringapatam to 12 soldiers – after reading this I was completely hooked on Sharpe and his adventures ! So just to say Thanks really, and Im sure you will appreciate genuine good feedback from readers. Best wishes Dave Ewing