The Akbarī Generations 1.9.6

1.9.6

In consequence of Kamran's defection, a council of war was held to consider whether he might not make an attempt upon Kabul while the Emperor was engaged at Balkh. Humayun declared his opinion that as the invasion of Balkh had been undertaken, it should be prosecuted in full confidence; so the march was continued. But many of the men were discouraged by Kamran remaining absent. When the army came near Balkh, and was about to take up a position, Shah Muhammad Sultan Uzbek, with three hundred horsemen, made his appearance. A force was sent against him, and a sharp fight followed. Kabuli, brother of Muhammad Kasim Khan Fauji, was killed in the conflict, and one of the chiefs of the Uzbeks was taken prisoner. Next day Pir Muhammad Khan came out of the city, (and was joined by) 'Abdu-l 'Aziz Khan, son of 'Abid Khan, and Sultan of Hissar, who had come to his assistance. After mid-day the two armies came in contact, and the battle began. Humayun was fully accoutred, and with Mirza Sulaiman, Mirza Hindal, and Haji Muhammad Sultan, defeated the vanguard of the enemy, and drove it back towards the city. Pir Muhammad Khan also and his men were repulsed and driven into Balkh. At sunset the Chaghatai troops, who had got near to the city, turned back. Many of the Chaghatai chiefs had their wives and families in Kabul, and were alarmed because Mirza Kamran had not joined the army.