Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c54.s10.4

v4.c54.s10.4

The baffled envoys returned to the Peshwā's palace some three hours before dawn, and another conference was held there. The three men demanded by Jaswant again refused to go to him, but advised their master to fight, boasting that with the great power and prestige of the Peshwā on their side they would put Jaswant Rao to flight. The cowardly Bāji Rao had no help but to yield. The same fiery advice had been given to the Peshwā by Sindhia's Bakhshi Sadāshiv Bhāskar and brigade-commander Dawes, when they waited on him after reaching Wanowri. They had boasted, "We shall force Jaswant Holkar to flee away by our battalion tactics and our grape-shot, swivel gun-fire, shells and musketry fire. Your Highness will have only to look at the show from a distance." They were supplied with some guns, munitions and money. Thus both sides were equally eager for the appeal to arms.