Dear Mr Cornwell,

having previously thoroughly enjoyed the Grail Quest series, I have just read the first (in chronological order) of the Sharpe series – Sharpe’s Tiger. Love the way you bring the conflicting / contrasting personalities of the main and supporting characters to life in the exotic Indian subcontinent setting of 1799. Keen to read my way through the series over time. Found the reference to British officers of the era purchasing their commissions of interest. As officers couldn’t officially profit from the spoils of battle (unlike the enlisted men), yet paid significant sums to secure their commissions, I wonder what the benefits of purchasing a commission were perceived be in the minds of British society at the time. Was it to complement / enhance their existing social standing as gentlemen / peers or were there other practical benefits accruing to the purchase of a commission?

Marc Radcliffe