Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c56.s24.2

v4.c56.s24.2

Lake’s infantry had started from their camp near Katumbar at 3 o’clock in the morning, and in eagerness to share the glory of their mounted brethren they had made a forced march of 25 miles in nine hours, arriving near Laswari at noon on the 1st of November. Two hours’ respite had to be given to them for rest and refreshment, before they could be hurled upon the enemy. During this interval Ambāji sent a proposal for surrendering his guns if he was allowed to go away on certain conditions. Lake granted him an hour to carry out his promise. But Ambājī could not induce his men to part with their beloved guns without a struggle; the hour lapsed, and at 2 o'clock in the afternoon Lake launched his second attack, this time with his full force.