The costly siege at Toulouse actually occurs needlessly; Napoleon has abdicated and a cease fire has been declared. However, news of these events does not reach Toulouse until after the battle. Does this situation make the sacrifices at Toulouse essentially meaningless? Sharpe, Frederickson, and Harper do not seem unduly angry about the situation. Why do you think they accept the news so calmly?

At the assault on the ridge at Toulouse, Sharpe and his companions are quite distressed to see the Spanish attack being launched much earlier than expected. Why was is so tactically disadvantageous to launch the Spanish attack long before the English attack? Explain.

Sharpe and Frederickson are jointly accused of stealing Napoleon's baggage. Sharpe reacts with flat denial and anger, while Frederickson is restrained. Of the two men, who do you think best realizes the significance of the charges after they...