New History of the Marathas v2.c29.27

v2.c29.27

In this agonising mood Abdali moved slowly along the left bank of the Jamuna from opposite Delhi to the north, carefully looking out for a ford and utilising local men in effecting a crossing with his whole army and guns on to the other side, in order to get at the Marathas for a close combat. About 20 miles north of Delhi he reached Baghpat on the east bank of the river, where after four days inspection he decided to cross the river on October 25. It was a daring experiment which might as well have proved disastrous. But Abdali had gained uncommon experience in crossing numerous rivers and streams during his long previous career throughout Central Asia and India, so that he could fully gauge the possibilities of a successful fording. His followers hesitated, when after a devout prayer to Allah, he untied the girth of his horse and rushed into the stream followed by an equally enthusiastic train. The water level had now considerably subsided and the horses could get across swimming part of the way where the water was deep. Within three days, he carried across without being detected, his whole army and heavy artillery on the backs of elephants and camels. This dexterous move is highly extolled by all writers as a rare feat of generalship.