Later Mughals v1.c9.s14.2

v1.c9.s14.2

At first it was intended that the Emperor in person should take the field, but he was dissuaded on the ground that his dignity would suffer if the rebel fled into the desert, where there was nothing but sand to feed upon. Nor does the Emperor appear to have been in particularly good health.* Husain Ali Khan was therefore appointed, Samsam-ud-daulah receiving charge of his seal as his deputy at Court. The plots against the Sayyids were still being carried on in Farrukh-siyar’s entourage, and the plotters hoped that by separating the brothers the task of overthrowing them would be rendered easier. There were also the chances and dangers of a campaign to be counted on in their favour. On this occasion we hear for the first time of a plan which was adopted very frequently in this reign and afterwards. Official orders were given in one sense, and the opposing side received secret letters of a different purport, assuring them of future favour if they made a vigorous defence and defeated the imperial general sent against them. Letters were despatched to Rajah Ajit Singh urging him to make away with Husain Ali Khan in any way he could, whereupon the whole of the Bakhshi’s property and treasure would become his; and he would, in addition, receive other rewards.†