Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 19.18.4

19.18.4

and as the English were now the only resource which remained either to the father or to the son in the world, they both wrote to Colonel Clive, whom they intreated, besought, and supplicated to come to their assistance. The Colonel objected ; but at last he consented. On his arriving at the head of his troops at MOrshOd-abad, a council was held, in which it was resolved to march immediately. It must be observed that some time was spent in overcoming that General's reluctance ; for the English, uninformed as they were of the real state of affairs in Hindostan, and unapprised of the strange cast of mind that formed so principal a feature in the character of the Grandees of that country, were impressed with awful ideas for the very name and sound of Imperial Prince ; and they bore a high respect to the Imperial race. The words, throne, and hereditary right excited their respect so far, that they felt a thorough disinclination against appearing in arms in opposition to such sacred names ; and so little inclined were they to entertain sentiments of enmity, that, to all appearance, they would have preferred the part of mediators, had they observed in the Prince, or in his Minister, any firmness, or capacity or concert. On receiving intelligence, therefore, of the misunion that raged amongst them, and of the wretched conduct which it occasioned, they shook off all regard for his concerns, and heartily joined their own confederates, the Navvab and his son.