Mr. Cornwell, Re: the Sharpe Series. I am no expert but I recall that the Claymore was a two handed broad sword carried over the shoulder by Highlanders. The Basket hilt one handed double edge sword carried in the 18th and early 19th century was called the “Claithbeg” (Claybeg) or something like that. Am I worng? Thank you for all your work. It is positively brilliant and I hope HM the Queen recognizes you for all you have done for Britain. John Lapin

Mr, Cornwell, In your research for the Sharpe series did you have an opportunity to fire a “Brown Bess” musket, either replica or original? Did you also try an early flintlock rifle musket? If you have not, one would never know from reading your books. I was just curious. John Lapin