Another Sean Bean admirer? I'm also looking at Llod Griffith's porcelain skin and dark eyes (he made a perfect Hornblower and quite gorgeous Lancelot). What I liked about Hornblower was the story-telling and problem solving, not the military action, but will look into the Sharpe books. Back to topic - ;^) - the 9 pounders in Hornblower were more accurate at extended range, IIRC, but when they took one off the boat and lugged it over land to plink at sitting ducks (Spanish ships in harbor), didn't they have to build a leveling platform for it first? These wide wheels would allow rapid transport over rough terrain, but if it isn't quite level when fired, surely that would affect aim? Carolly