Dear sir, I just needed to know why Sharpe passed up so many chances to become a colonel (alright 2) but still… 1st when Sharpe has Lord Fenner on the ropes he asks for Girdwood to command (so he can in effect command, but still as a major) however surely Fenner would have been in a position to give him promotion if he so desired? Secondly once he makes his fortune he could have bought promotion (while this one I understand Sharpe may object to due to where he came from and due to his morals but perhaps you could still explain the first one), thanks, Tommy Smith