Sharpe's Regiment

Major General Ross: Bloody day, Sharpe, bloody day. Major General Ross: How many have you lost? Major Richard Sharpe: Thirty today sir. Major General Ross: And how many have you got left? Major Richard Sharpe: Hundred and twenty can still do duty. Eighty six still in strength. But maimed or sick, though, they'll be made to go to hospitals. Major General Ross: You're expecting replacements of course? Major Richard Sharpe: Yes sir. Major General Ross: From the Second Battalion, Chelmsford? Major General Ross: Lord Fenner, Secretary of State at War, works for the Secretary of State of War, doesn't know what a war is, of course. Politicians, Sharpe, they're not fit to lick your jakes out! Major Richard Sharpe: What am I supposed to see, sir? Major General Ross: Down at the bottom, some mention of the South Essex. Major Richard Sharpe: Second Battalion now a Holding Battalion. Major General Ross: Few boys perhaps. Good man waiting on replacement if you're lucky. Major Richard Sharpe: No draft available. Major Richard Sharpe: But there were eight recruiting parties last I heard! Major General Ross: It can't be black and white, Fenner's said you've got no replacements, so there you are.