The History of Shāhjahān (ʿInāyat Khān) 2.2

2.2

After dismissing Muhammad Kasim, the Prince addressed the commanders of the army in that country, viz. * * saying, his instructions were, to deliver over Balkh and Badakhshan to Nazar Muhammad Khan, after the interview; but now that the latter had only sent his grandson, excusing himself on the pretended plea of sickness, he could not carry out this measure without a distinct order. He told them to take into consideration, however, that the country was desolated, winter close at hand, grain scarce, and time short; so that there would be great difficulty in making arrangements for the winter, and remaining in the kingdom during that inclement season, and asked them what was their opinion on the subject. The principal chiefs replied, that the passes of the Hindu Koh were just about to be covered by snow, when the road would be blocked up; so that, if he reported the matter, and waited the arrival of instructions, the opportunity would slip through his hands. They therefore came to the unanimous conclusion, that His Royal Highness should recall all the governors of forts and persons in charge of places around Balkh. As a vast number of mercenary soldiers, consisting of Uzbeks and Almans, had crossed the river Jihun, and spread themselves over those regions, and wherever they saw a concourse of people, took the first opportunity of assailing them, Raja Jai Singh was despatched to Turmuz to fetch Sa'ádat Khán.