Dear Mr Cornwell, I’m a fan of the Sharpe novels. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole series and I’ve become somewhat fascinated with the whole period. However, there is a question that’s been nagging me for quite a while. Namely, it’s the difference between grapeshot and canister. I get it like this:

Grapeshot: a) uses larger-than-musket-calibre ammunition b) is contained in a canvas bag c) is mainly used in naval warfare

Canister: a) uses musket balls (or a variety of musket balls and larger ammunition) b) is contained in a tin casing c) is mainly used in land-based warfare

Wikipedia seems to say that canister was an evolution of grapeshot, and indeed, the solid case would probably be quicker to handle, but that doesn’t explain my impression of grapeshot containing ammunition of a larger calibre. Is my impression true? And if it is, what’s the benefit? Larger shot is less affected by the wind perhaps? Then again, larger projectiles would mean lesser numbers, meaning greater gaps in the dispersion. I’d appreciate your insight on this. Regards, Henri