Dear Bernard, I have enjoyed your Sharpe novels immensely. They are among the best historical fiction I have ever encountered. As an American, I am personally grateful that Sharpe never made it to our shores. As a reader it would have been a severe case of divided loyalties! In fact, knowing Sharpe as I think I do, he himself would have faced a crisis of loyalties, perhaps even joining the Revolution. What do you think?

By the way, in Sharpe’s Company you dedicate the book to the Harper Family (including Patrick). Are they in any way an inspiration for the wonderful Harper character? Thank you, and may Richard Sharpe live on! Raymond