Sharpe's Siege: Richard Sharpe and the Winter Campaign, 1814 Setting & Symbolism

Sharpe's Siege: Richard Sharpe and the Winter Campaign, 1814 Objects/Places

Royal American Rifles

The Royal American Rifles, comprised of two companies, are led by Sharpe during military operations described in the narrative. For most of the novel they are joined by a company of Marines. The two rifle companies are commanded by Frederickson and Minver, and the men are resolute, well-trained, and deadly. The rifle companies are armed with rifles—greatly superior in accuracy to muskets, but slower to load—and sword bayonets.

Canister

Canister is a type of ammunition used in field and naval guns instead of the more-traditional cannonball. Canister is composed of a thin metal or wire wrapping that holds together numerous smaller projectiles, usually lead balls similar to a musket ball. When fired, the wrapping disintegrates and the multiple balls begin to spread apart rapidly. Against hardened targets, canister is not effective. Against infantry, canister is far more deadly than roundshot. General Calvet uses...
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