It can't be black and white, Fenner's said you've got no replacements, so there you are

Major General Ross:

Bloody day, Sharpe, bloody day. [hands him a flask] Major General Ross:
How many have you lost? Major Richard Sharpe:
[over the cannon fire]
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? [Hands Sharpe a letter] 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:
[looks at the letter]
What am I supposed to see, sir? Major General Ross:
Down at the bottom, some mention of the South Essex. Major Richard Sharpe:
[reads]
Second Battalion now a Holding Battalion. Major General Ross:
Few boys perhaps. Good man waiting on replacement if you're lucky. Major Richard Sharpe:
[reads further]
No draft available. [Looks up] 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