Chapter 18 and Historical Note Summary

Chapter 18

Sharpe is certain all will die, so he takes the opportunity to tell the men that tonight they have his permission to get drunk. He also tells them they are the best soldiers with whom he has ever served. De l'Eclin and the Count of Mouromorto join the French cavalry. Just as Sharpe expects the French cavalry to charge and destroy his smaller force, Vivar and fifty Cazadores burst from the city flying the banner of Santiago Matamoros. Sharpe orders the riflemen to charge and the civilian refugees join also. The Count of Mouromorto tries to attack the banner and Vivar kills him. Sharpe pulls de l'Eclin from his horse and, as de l'Eclin is about to stab Sharpe, Harper shoots and kills the French colonel.

Sharpe takes de l'Eclin's trousers and boots to replace his...