Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 14.11.1

14.11.1

As soon as this intelligence was conveyed to the Marhattas, they guessed his intention; and being resolved on their side to support the Afghans at any rate, they gave up their wonted custom of warfare; and abandoning their schemes of plundering the city of M8rsh8d-abad, they took to a mountainous country on the left of the victorious army, and marched incessantly under cover. The Bengal army on its march received some assistance from Seif-qhan, who possessed the Fodjdary of P8raniah from a long series of years. That nobleman having heard of Aaly-verdyqhan's expedition, sent to his assistance Sheh-din-mahmed, son to Sheh-mudjahed, a chief Commander in his Service, at the head of fifteen hundred musqueteers; excusing himself at the same time on pretence of sickness, from waiting upon him in person. The officer having crossed the Ganga at Carangola, attempted to join Aaly-verdy-qhan, who he heard would stay two or three days at Mongher; and he was already arrived at Soltan-gundj, when he was set upon by the Marhattas, who hearing of his small numbers, sent a detachment to overtake him. The man without being dismayed, stood his ground the whole day, after having dispatched a swift horseman to give advice to Aaly-verdy-qhan of his situation. This Prince, although averse from dividing his army, sent the four sons of Omer-qhan with a body of troops to succour him; but before the detachment could arrive, the Marhattas, at sunset, had already retired to their camp, as is their custom.