Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 14.12.2

14.12.2

Suspecting, however, that some deceit might lurk in this sudden retreat, he advanced beyond his own artillery, and passed the whole night waking, with part of his army under arms. At the end of the night, when the horizon commenced to redden, and the divine goodness was sending forth the beneficent rays of its sun, he made his morning prayer, and rubbing the forehead of supplication and humility, on the future field of battle, he petitioned the Supreme Overseer of the afflicted for success and victory over those murdering enemies of his family. After this, he produced a small cake made of the earth of the sacred tomb of the Prince of Martyrs, (a precious gem which he always carried with him on such important occasions) and having adorned his forehead with some dust from it, he found within himself an accession of vigour, and he gave the order of march. On getting up with the enemy, he again made a short prayer, mounted his elephant, and prepared for battle. After having examined the country about Bar, and paid a proper attention to that hollow plain, in which is the village called Rani-Choc, (and this is but at four cosses from that town) he disposed his army in the following manner: Bahadyr-aaly-qhan, with the heavy artillery was placed in the front of all. Behind him was stationed Haider-aaly-qhan with the field-pieces; and he was to be supported by Rahem-qhan and Mir-mahmed-cazem-qhan, and Dost-mahmed-qhan at the head of their respective brigades.