Chahar gulzar-i Shujaʿi 7.3

7.3

Though some say that the Emperor did not wish to engage in hostilities, nevertheless it was at last determined that the provinces of Bengal and 'Azimabad should be taken from the English and given to Kasim 'Ali Khan, and also that the English should be punished. Accordingly, on the 1st of Zi-l ka'da, 1178 A.H. (20th April, 1765 A.D.), the Emperor, Shuja'u-d daula Waziru-l Mamalik and Kasim 'Ali Khan marched towards 'Azimabad, as far as Benares. The English who were at 'Azimabad Patna trembled like an aspen at the fear of His Majesty Shah 'Alam Badshah and Nawab Shuja'u-d daula, and they sent petitions to them, soliciting forgiveness for their conduct. They deputed Shitab Rai on their part, promising to give up 'Azimabad, pay whatever might be demanded as a contribution, and obey any orders that might be given, praying also that the Emperor and the Nawab would return from Benares without attacking them. The request of the English was not acceded to, Shitab Rai was turned out of the camp, and the royal army marched on from Benares. The English, being informed of this, left the city of Patna, and having assembled at Bach Pahari, six kos from that city, on the road to Benares, fixed their batteries there. Relying upon destiny, they resolved to offer opposition, and prepared to fight.