Dear Bernard In regards to future one off novels I wondered if you have ever thought of writing one on the Spanish Armada. As events go its up there with Hastings and Waterloo as a famous British battle albeit on the sea.

In regards to Sharpe although you have said you are reluctant to go back again with Sharpe would you ever consider a short story on the 1793/94 Flanders campaign where Sharpe and Wellington learned what not to do. Its also if you don’t mind me saying so a bit unfair on Wellington of all people as his rearguard actions at places like the River Wall saved a beaten army from being totally destroyed yet not many people know of these small fights or the campaign in general as opposed to say Waterloo. Finally if you never do get around to finishing Starbuck would ever at least say how the left open plot points would finish eg what happens to Billy Blythe and Falcouner, does Starbuck ever get back with Sally etc etc Yours sincerely Geraint