Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.14.6

2.14.6

In this strong position he resolved to wait the approach of his enemy, and dispute the passage of the Ganges. He was, however, greatly mortified when informed that the troops which were slowly descending the banks of the river were designed merely for a feint; that Emir-Jemla was not with them; but that having gained over the Rajas whose territories lay among the mountains, on the right of the river, he and Sultan Mahmoud were marching with the utmost speed across those mountains toward Rage-Mehalle, accompanied by the flower of the army, evidently with the object of shutting him out from Bengale. He was constrained, therefore, to abandon all the fortifications erected with so much care: yet notwithstanding that his march was much lengthened by the necessity of following the various bends of the Ganges, still he arrived at Rage-Mehalle some days before the Emir. Time was afforded him to throw up entrenchments; because, when the combined commanders perceived that Sultan Sujah could not be prevented from occupying Rage-Mehalle, they inclined on the left toward the Ganges, through almost impracticable paths, for the purpose of receiving the troops, heavy artillery and baggage, which were coming down the river. When this object was accomplished, they proceeded to the attack of Sultan Sujah, who defended his position during five or six days with considerable success;