Dear Mr Cornwell,

I wouldn’t be able to write to you without first noting my appreciation for your novels, as a teenager, the Sharpe books began a long running obsession with the Napoleonic era.

This obsession certainly played a part in bringing me to my current place in life: completing a degree in history.

I’m currently undertaking some research on military memoirs of the Peninsula campaign, particularly looking at the men of the 95th and how their legacy has evolved.

The Sharpe series has created perhaps the most iconic representation of these men, I was curious then, to ask about the role military memoirs played in shaping your work.

I’d be especially curious to ask your thoughts on “The recollections of Rifleman Harris” and if it was this work that prompted the inclusion of your own Harris in the novels, whether your Harris was inspired by his namesake, or more of a creative license.

I suppose your research for Sharpe was some time ago now, but any thoughts you have on military memoirs as a historical source would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again for your work and too for humouring the questions of a fan,

Kind Regards,

Oz