Riyaz al-salatin 113.9

113.9

Khadim Husain Khan reached the bank of a river, to ford which was difficult, and to cross which without a ferry boat was impossible. The army of Khadim Husain Khan, like the Israelites of old, finding the river in front and the enemy in the rear, despaired of life. Finding all ways of escape cut off, Khadim Husain Khan of necessity flung his treasures and heavy baggages amongst his soldiers, and placing his trust in his God and looking up to the Infallible Artist, looked out for supernatural help. The army of Sadiq Ali Khan, having had to march through mud and clay and being drenched through by a heavy shower of rain, were rendered unfit for fighting, and halted that day at a distance of 2 karoh from Khadim Husain Khan. In that the cup of the life of Khadim Husain Khan and his companions was yet not full to the brim, at midnight a lightning fell on Sadiq Ali Khan, and killed him and his personal attendant. This mishap occurred in 1173 A.H. Khadim Husain Khan, thus getting providentially rescued from the claws of certain death, marched away with the speed of lightning and wind, and went to the Subah of Audh (Oudh). Rajballab and other comrades of Sadiq Ali Khan rubbed the ashes of sorrow and anguish on their heads, and together with the English army retired to Azimabad. There they directed their attention towards the Imperial army, including the Emperor's Mahratta Contingent, who were encamped at Hilsah, and commenced warfare.