Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have a statement of appreciation, a question, and a hope. I stumbled across the Sharpe stories a few years back when I was stationed in Pakistan (I’m in the foreign service). I usually delight in historical fiction about ancient times, so at first I wasn’t sure I could appreciate these tales set in the time of the Napoleonic wars, but after trying a few, I quickly became very fond of them. I think anyone who has worked in a large (or particularly government) organization can relate to these stories in which higher-ups invariably bungle policies in which the fate of nations hang in the balance, and surely so many servicemen and workers can relate to the feeling that they have not gotten their just desserts in the way of promotions. I think I have read that passage where Sharpe gets the letter from the Prince Regent (in ‘Sharpe’s Enemy’) and hears about his majority four times — so far. I do have one question. As an investor, I cannot help but be rattled by the passage in ‘Sharpe’s Triumph’ where he notes that he has not heard a shot fired in anger in four years, and has been walking around with the gems in his sack for all that time. Now, since we know in later books Sharpe finally invests in securities back in England (perhaps he is older and wiser by then), would it not have been possible for him to at some point in India confide in McCandless (although I grant you that character is rather stern) or one of his other associates, and get rid of these gems — or convert them to a letter of credit with the East India Company, or something?

As for the hope, I note the recent video about Sharpe going back to India after Waterloo. Now, of course, you can’t keep poor Sharpe fighting forever, but in the period between Waterloo and ‘Sharpe’s Devil’, there is surely enough time for Sharpe to be tempted by, say, one adventure per year? After all, he needs a new apple press for the chateau in France, and the house no doubt needs repairs. Perhaps Wellington and the His Majesty’s government can find Sharpe some occasional employment. Thank you for giving us this character who is so engaging, and — despite his occasional violence towards parties on his own ‘side’ (usually much deserved) — who has such inherent decency and fairness. regards, Kenneth W. Meyer (heading for Vienna in June ’07)