Dear Mr Cornwell. I have nothing put praise for your excellently readable Sharpe’s books, (I have all your books). On my travels, I did notice that a Lt. Strode of the 95th carried a rifle. Was he your inspiration?. Everything you write corresponds to some or all of the following, as you probably know: Adventures of a Soldier – Edward Costello. Peninsular & Waterloo Campaigns – Edward Costello. The First Respectable Spy – Jock Haswell. Life in Wellington’s Army – Anthony Brett James. Were these also a source of inspiration? Best of luck, and thank you. John