Later Mughals v1.c8.s14.3

v1.c8.s14.3

Here they learnt that Jahandar Shah had reached Samugarh and had seized all boats up and down the river for a distance of eighty or ninety miles. But not a sign of his further advance could be detected, nor did there seem any chance of their being able to cross the river themselves in order to force on a decisive battle. Therefore, on the night of the 5th Zul Hijja (2nd January 1713), it was resolved to send a capable messenger to Jahandar Shah. This man was to point out to him that they had come a journey of three months' duration, he, one of seven days only. Why then should he hold back and delay the final battle? Let him cross at once and meet them in the field. An answer was awaited until the following day. The envoy then returned and reported that he had been taken before Jahandar Shah and had repeated his message. The only answer received was 'It is well! it is well!'. When he passed the river they cried to him 'You see the bridge, you see the bridge,' but so far as he could find out, they neither meant to cross over themselves nor allow their opponents to cross. [*Ibid.* 88*b*.]