Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s10.39

v2.c27.s10.39

Internal dissension is increasing among the Durrānī sardārs. My capture of Delhi has broken his waist. I have put off the fight with him only in consequence of the high level of the Jamunā.” Eighteen days later he was still puffed up with the same idea and wrote, “Yes, my conquest of the capital has struck awe into Abdālī and caused a split in his camp. Many Turānis wish to desert his service for ours. His troops are greatly frightened. Many of the Ruhelas have gone back [to their homes] beyond the Ganges, and the rest are about to do so. Najib alone is keeping up his spirits. Shujā, as the result of his joining Abdālī, finds himself bogged.” The lame Ahmad Khan Bangash, who merely enjoyed the prestige of his office as imperial Paymaster-General and held the strategically important position of Farrukhabad, now began to make secret overtures begging the Bhāu’s favour through Govind Ballāl, and peacefully evacuated Farrukhabad before the advancing Marathas (29th August.) [Raj. i. 224, 233, 236, 237.]