Tarikh-i Muzaffari 5.9

5.9

Colonel Clive now approached, and Siraju-d daula was obliged to move from Mansur-ganj, and proceeded with his officers to Plassy. The Colonel, with a small army, which might number three or four thousand men, advanced with great courage and daring, and encamped opposite the army of the Nawab. On the 5th Shawwal, 1170 A.H. (June 23, 1757 A.D.), fire was opened on every side, and the engagement became warm. Europeans are very skilful in the art of war, and in the use of artillery, and they kept up such an incessant fire that the hearers were deafened, and the beholders blinded. Many were killed, and many wounded. Mir Madan (the commander-in-chief), a brave and resolute man, who was the guiding spirit of Siraju-d daula, received a mortal wound from a cannon-ball. He caused himself to be conveyed to his master, and died after speaking a few words of advice and devotion. Siraju-d daula was greatly moved by his death, and sent to summon Mir Muhammad Ja'far. That officer, having resolved upon an infamous course, went to him, accompanied by some other chiefs. Siraju-d daula was greatly dejected, he apologized to Mir Ja'far for the wrongs he had done him, and asked for his advice. Mir Ja'far advised that as little of the day remained, he should recall his advanced force within the lines, and put off the battle to the next day, adding that he would provide for the safety of the army and the conduct of the battle.