Hello (again) Mr. Cornwell! Regarding the question posted on your site 2.) Post Date: 22 Jan, 2008 Dear Mr Cornwell, I’ve been reading my way through the Sharpe series since last April. Just finished Waterloo. Apart from the terrific characterisation, I love the detail and am in awe of the amount of research which finds it way effortlessly and accessibly into the stories. One wee question….We are told that Sharpe – while living with Lucille – is on a lieutenant’s half pay as he was only a brevet major. Fair enough, but shouldn’t he have been on the half pay of a captain? John Lawson, west Kilbride, Scotland A: If I remember rightly his regimental ranks was still Lieutenant . . . in which case that would be the rank on which his half-pay was based. I guess I, too, am confused. I thought after Bajadoz (y)our poor Mr. Sharpe had nailed his captaincy! But . . . if . . . poor bugger! Couldn’t you have given him that much after all he’s gone through??!! (couldn’t resist! Sorry!) Thank you again for all of your books. And for taking the time with everyone’s questions. Denise