Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 23.3.2

23.3.2

Mahomed returned them this politic answer:—"I have marched into India at the command of my brother, whose general only I am. Both honour and duty bind me to exert myself to the utmost in his service; I cannot retreat, therefore, without orders; but I shall be glad to obtain a truce till he is informed of the situation of affairs, and till I have received his answer." This letter produced the intended effect; for the enemy conceiving that Mahomed was intimidated, spent the night in riot and revelry, while he was preparing to surprise them. He accordingly forded the river a little before the dawn of the morning, drew up his army on the sands, and had entered part of the Indian camp before the alarm was spread. Notwithstanding the confusion which naturally ensued on this occasion, the Hindoo line was of such extent that they had sufficient time to draw out their cavalry, which served to check the approach of the Mahomedans until they themselves were able to advance, which they did with great resolution and some order, in four lines.