The Memoirs of Bābur 5.9

5.9

that a little lower down than the junction of the two rivers, opposite to an island, where there were a number of vessels collected, Mustafa on the Bihar side of the Ganges should get all his artillery and ammunition in readiness, and commence a cannonade: a number of matchlockmen were placed under his command. * * * That Askari and the Sultans and Khdns named for the duty should set out expeditiously, and pass the Sard at the ghdt of Haldi, in order that when the batteries were completed, they might be in readiness to fall upon the enemy, who might thus be attacked in different quarters at the same time. * * * On the morning of Sunday the army began to cross the Ganges. I embarked and crossed over about the first watch. * * * On Tuesday we marched from the place where we had crossed the river, advanced towards the field of action, which is near the confluence of the two rivers, and encamped about a kos from it. I myself went and saw UstM 'All Kuli employed in firing his firingis and artillery. That day Ustad 'AH Kuli struck two vessels with shot from his firingi and sank them. * * * The same day a messenger arrived from Askari, with information that his army had now all crossed the river, and that early next morning, being Thursday, they would be ready to fall upon the enemy. I immediately issued orders that all the rest of our troops who had effected their passage should co-operate with Askari, and fall upon the enemy in conjunction with him.