Who is Sire Arthur Wellesley from Sharpe's Eagle: Richard Sharpe and the Talavera Campaign July 1809 and what is their importance? Sharpe's_Eagle:_Richard_Sharpe_and_the_Talavera_Campaign_July_1809 English & Literature Sire Arthur Wellesley | Sharpe's Eagle: Richard Sharpe and the Talavera Campaign July 1809

This man is a general in the British army. Some readers familiar with history might know that Wellesley will eventually become the Duke of Wellington, the man who finally defeated Napoleon. Sharpe sees Wellesley ride by when he first arrives with other British troops gathering for a battle in Spain. Sharpe meets Wellesley in person after Simmerson has tried to blame Sharpe for the defeat of the South Essex and tried to get Sharpe brought before a court martial. Wellesley is a brilliant military commander and knows who is to blame for the defeat of the South Essex Regiment and the loss of their color. He refuses Simmerson's request and instead promotes Sharpe to captain and gives him command of one of Simmerson's companies.