Gul-i Rahmat 1.1.7

1.1.7

Keeping the Mahratta wakils with him, he sent to inform Shuja'u-d daula of what the Mahrattas proposed, adding that they undertook to forego all claim upon himself for the forty lacs of rupees on condition of his remaining neutral. He added, "If you will send me back my sealed bond, and will hasten to oppose the Mahrattas, I will dismiss the Mahratta wakils, and will guard the fords of the Ganges. United, we will beat the Mahrattas, and drive them from this country." Upon receipt of this letter, Shuja'u-d daula immediately wrote a reply (expressing his gratification), adding that he sent Saiyid Shah Madan as his representative, and that he would not deviate a hair's breadth from any agreement the Saiyid should make. * * After his arrival, the Saiyid promised Hafiz Rahmat that the bond should be returned to him after the repulse of the Mahrattas, when he and Shuja'u-d daula would soon meet. The Nawab entreated Hafiz Rahmat to banish all suspicion, for there was no cause of dissension between them. * * Hafiz Rahmat sent back the wakils with a proper answer to Shuja'u-d daula. On the same day he sent Ahmad Khan, son of the Bakhshi, in all haste from Aonla to secure the ford of Ram-ghat. A few days afterwards, hearing of the approach of the Mahrattas, he marched from Bareilly by way of Aonla to Bisauli. From that place he sent back the wakils of the Mahrattas, rejecting their proposals. He then proceeded with his small force to Ram-ghat.