Dear Mr Cornwell, I am led to understand that you were good friends with my ‘biographer’ Mr Macdonald Fraser, I myself wasn’t particularly fond of the aforementioned gentleman simply because he published my diaries to the world without my consent, having apparently found them in an auction salesroom. If he was alive today, which he aint, and lucky for him I say, I would happily thrash him to an inch of his life! However, I digress, which I tend to do these days as my mind aint as sharp as it was which considering my age should come as no surprise to you. To get to the point, the reason that I write is that I am mildly concerned that my legacy should be protected. Sir, can you give me assurances that the friends and family of my self styled biographer are doing everything possible to ensure that any damned celluloid adaptation chronicling my exploits is an accurate portrayal. The reason for my concern is as a consequence of recently watching the film recounting Tom Browns Schooldays which showed me in a completely rotten light, not that it was all untrue you understand, but they made that toady Brown out to be some kind of hero, which aint the truth by a long chalk. Incidentally I have just started to read your Sharpe novels and as a man that rode away faster from battle than towards it I have to say that although enjoyable reads I wouldnt want to be in Sharpes bloody company, any man that volunteers for The Forlorn Hope should be avoided at all costs. I didnt survive the life that I led by storming any breaches and having my damned head shot off. Your character Sergeant Haweswill has it right, if you find yourself in a battle keep your head down and pray to your mother! Yours Sir Harry Paget Flashman VC KCB KCIE