Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 14.4.1

14.4.1

We have already mentioned that in the engagement with Rhago-dji at the Ranie's reservoir Shimshir-qhan had suffered him to escape; and that a little after, indices of defection and treason had appeared in the behaviour of two of Aaly-verdy-qhan's principal Commanders, namely, the Afghans Shimshir-qhan and Serdar-qhan. Such a discovery could not but impress the Viceroy with sorrow and inquietude, especially with regard to the latter. In the sequel there appeared some further indices, and something like a concert between these two Commanders and the Marhattas. So many extraordinary proceedings of theirs which hitherto had appeared unaccountable, were now ascribed to that cause, in so much that their master had long ago ceased to repose any confidence in them. The principal of those indices appeared on the following occasion: On Rhago-dji's arrival in the environs of Mbrshbd-abad, and even whilst he was encamped in the Birbohum, the rains were drawing to their end, and the entrance of the river Bagraty becoming fordable, the boats which used to come laden with provisions, had ceased to come directly to the city, and were obliged to land them at Bagvangolah, at six or seven cosses' distance, from whence only they could be brought over a tract of land; and as the road was infested with perpetual parties of the enemy's, the provisions could not come up, unless escorted by Commanders of character and trust.