Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s5.13

v2.c27.s5.13

Dattaji was to have realized a large sum from Marwār. What has he done there?… Lead an expedition into Bengal and Bihār; realize vast sums of money there for repaying my debts. Bengal is a province capable of yielding one *kror* or a *kror* and a half. It ought to be [your master's] determined aim to collect a large sum, clear my debts and sustain our troops. Occupy Bihār, it is a country fit to be retained. Dattaji himself and Jankoji with a strong force should go there, capture Patna and remain encamped there. From that place make your plans about Bengal. Raghunath Rao Dāda will go to Hindustan when the rainy season is over. Thereafter he will march into Bengal and collect a vast sum. If, as in the past, the envoy [of the Bengal ruler] comes to you for making a compromise about the Bengal tribute, do not agree to any settlement. My debts would not be cleared unless a huge amount is extracted from Bengal. It is (therefore) necessary to march with a vast army and secure a *kror* or a *kror* and a half [from that province.] If without an expedition a tribute of 50 or 60 *lakhs* is promised, then accept it. If not, plan [your campaign] after Dāda's arrival. For the present you should go to Bihār and seize Patna.