New History of the Marathas v2.c30.8

v2.c30.8

Abdali's allies, however, became very impatient and urged him to no longer delay the final assault on the enemy. His only reply was, "My duty is that of a general, and let me be full master in this. You can take care of your politics as you wish, but do not interfere with my military plans." He was always alert and constantly on the move. He had a small red tent pitched in advance of his camp to which he regularly came every morning for his prayers and for his breakfast, and spent the whole day in moving round the entire camp, inspecting the arrangements, giving instructions and tightening his hold on the Marathas. He never rode less than 30 miles a day. He reserved a special guard of 5 thousand troops to go round the whole camp and keep a strict look out for the slightest remissness in his army or any activity of the enemy. He asked Shuja and the other allies to enjoy sound sleep and rest as usual, without worrying themselves about the war.