Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 12.17.11

12.17.11

and leaving his troops at a distance, he went into the tent, and took his seat on the Mesned that had been placed for him there. He had with him some persons of distinction, and a few trusty officers, such as his own nephew, Sayd-ahmed-qhan, Ata-ollah-qhan, and Mir-cazem-qhan ; and not a soul besides Djanki-ram, and Mustapha-qhan, and Mirza-hekim-beg-qhan, knew anything of the secret. So that an infinity of persons of distinction from all ranks had flocked to the plain from the city, to see the spectacle of such an interview, and by their peaceful looks were of very great resource for making the deception. A moment after the two negotiators, who were the managers of the interview, and who, as pledges, had obliged themselves by the most sacred oaths, went forward to bring the Marhatta General ; and meanwhile the Commanders and principal officers of the Bengal army, all armed and mounted, took their post behind the tent, but at a reasonable distance ; every one with his men ready at all points. Some others likewise, whether as men of distinction, or as officers of character, took post about the pillars of the tent, whilst many more stood behind the Viceroy, ready to execute any commands they might receive. It was at this time only that he thought it proper to inform both his nephew, and Ata-ollah-qhan, of the design, as it became high time to put them upon their own guard ;