116 Lieut.-Colonel Bbicgs' Translation of the 



regent's release. This band, animated with the same spirit which fired the 

 bosom of the young hero, charged the body of the enemy into whose hands 

 their prince had fallen, and the young Peshwa not only rescued his uncle, 

 but turned the fate of the day, and obtained a complete victory, on which 

 occasion the Nizam's prime minister and generaUssimo fell. An account of 

 this battle, which took place on the 11th August I7G2, written by Madhu 

 Rao to Nana FarnevIs, is still in existence, and affords a good sample of the 

 vigorous style of the young Peshwa, then in his nineteenth year ; but, 

 consistently with the modesty which usually belongs to such minds, he 

 makes no mention whatever of his own share in the transaction. 



Letter from Madhu Rao to Nana FarnevIs. 



" Nizam Ali Kuan marched on Rakisbori with his whole army, to cross 

 " the Godaveri. He himself, with eight hundred Patau cavalry, had 

 " already gained the north bank ; the remainder, being about four thousand 

 " men, composed of cavalry, infantry, and guns, under Vitala Sunder and 

 " ViNAYAK Das, were still on the south bank on the 2Sth of Mohram 

 " (11th August). In this situation, after a march of eight coss (sixteen 

 " miles), our light troops suddenly came upon the enemy, who drew up to 

 " receive us. An action ensued, which lasted four ghatikas (about an hour 

 " and a-half). The enemy behaved with great s])irit, but was defeated. 

 " ViTALA Sunder's * head was cut oft". Vinayik Dass's body was also found 

 " among the slain, besides several other officers who were killed. About 

 " three hundred Patans were left dead on the field. Morad Kuan and some 

 " officers of distinction have been made ])risoners. A portion fled and 

 " escaped ; but of those who attempted to swim the river many were 

 " drowned. The enemy's camp equipage has all fallen into our hands. 

 " Twenty guns, besides magazines of powder, rockets, balls and lead, have 

 " also been captured, as well as fifteen elephants. 



" On our part, Madhaji Nayac Nijibalker and Culaji Rao Patankur 

 " were killed ; in addition to some other chiefs. We have also a long list of 

 " wounded, but by the favour of God we gained the victory. Biiosla has 

 " joined." 



The last three words conveyed to his correspondent the most important 

 information of all. This chief was the Raja of Nagpore, who, with a con- 



* The generalissimo. 



I 



