Dear Mr Cornwell As you may have understood from both my name, and surname, I am Portuguese. So, first of all, I would like to apologise for any mistake I shall write within this lines. In my defense, I shall say we don’t have phrasal verbs in Portuguese. Since Sharpe’s Rifles edition in Portugal I have read all the books from Sharpe’s series, unfortunately a few years later than I would like to, that’s why I intend to start buying Sharpe’s books in English, rather than keep on waiting. Although I do not study History officially (I’m graduating in airspace engineering), I took up writing and history and eventually I ended up mixing both. I would like to know your opinion on Portuguese army’s performance during the Napoleonic Wars. First of all because I am sincerely curious, second, because I am aware that the Portuguese army itself turned out to be a not so pleasant ally sometimes during the Wellesley’s campaign. Measures taken by Beresford while Portugal was under Great Britain’s custody didn’t please a major part of the Portuguese society at the time, making the alliance between Portugal and the Great Britain even more peculiar. This is, of course, the second topic I would like you to comment, if possible: relationship between both countries during Napoleonic wars. Keep up with the good work. Believe me when I say you have become my favorite writer (which is quite a responsibility a suppose). Thank you for your kindness in being receptive to writer’s contacts. Yours Sincerely João Aguiar