Mr Cornwell, I, like most people that must contact you, enjoy your books immensely. Although I must admit I have never read any of the Sharpe books, which is something I will remedy one day. The reason I have decided to contact you is on a historical matter. In ‘Vagabond’ on page 4 of the small paperback version you refer to the date as October 1346. Then on page 22, during the coversation with William Douglas and De Taillebourg, the disbanding of the Templars is mentioned by Douglas. De Taillebourg states it was “Twenty-nine years ago”. This would mean in 1317. I’m sorry for sounding like a bit of an ‘anorak’ but the round-up of the Templars, ordered by the King of France, took place on Friday 13 October 1307. Hence when the 13th of a month falls on a Friday it is deemed to be an unlucky day. I’m sorry for wasting your time if this fact is already known to you. Campbell