Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 12.12.2

12.12.2

In a few days they both arrived in a woody tract full of snakes and large red ants, but so incredibly beset with tall trees and underwood, that in no part of the forest could two horsemen pass abreast. Insomuch that it became impossible for the officers to know where their own men were. So far from being able to hear of the enemy, Bha-sukur unable to open his way to his own frontiers, through such a difficult country, and at a loss how to manage with such an enemy at his heels, found himself obliged to leave the management of the march to Mir-habib; and that able General found means to bring him back to the woods of Bishenpûr, from whence he proceeded through the plain of Chendracona, and at last emerged about Midnipûr. From thence he sent troops to oppose Sheh-maasûm, in Oressa, a Commander who encamped at Hariarpûr with a handful of men. The Marhattas informed of the feebleness of his force, fell upon him, after having several times offered him terms, which he has often refused; so that the brave officer listening only to his sense of honour and fidelity, came out of his lines with his handful of men, and after a furious engagement which cost much blood, he fell like a brave man, selling his life to the highest bidder. Meanwhile Aaly-verdy-qhan informed that the Marhattas having given him the slip, had shown themselves in the Midnipûr, marched back from that difficult country; and having crossed the whole Bardevan, he advanced with a resolution to attack them.