CAPTURE OF SURAJAH DOWLAH. 27 



enemy's camp. His troops, in advancing to the lines, were 

 surprised that not a single shot was fired. They entered, 

 and still encountered no resistance ; there was no army ; 

 not a vestige of that numerous host which the day before 

 had been deemed irresistible. They met no obstruction, 

 unless from the tents, baggage, and artillery with which 

 the space was incumbered. The nabob had been seized 

 with panic, and when he learned the defection of Jaffier, 

 gave up all for lost, mounted his fleetest elephant, and fled, 

 escorted by 2000 of his chosen cavalry. 



Next day an interview was appointed at Daudpore be- 

 tween the English commander and Meer Jafher. The 

 latter approached with evident symptoms of trepidation, 

 dreading resentment on account of his cold and doubtful 

 co-operation. On his entrance the guard, in sign of re- 

 spect, presented arms, when, viewing this as a menacing 

 attitude, he started back in alarm. Clive, however, ad- 

 vanced, and saluted him Nabob of Bengal, Bahar, and 

 Orissa ; after which entire cordiality prevailed during the 

 conference, and measures were concerted for the pursuit 

 of Surajah Dowlah. That prince had arrived at Daudpore 

 about midnight after the battle ; and several of his principal 

 officers being already there, he assembled them in council. 

 He rejected the advice urged by some, — that he should sur- 

 render to the English ; and concurred with those who re- 

 commended that he should give donations to the troops, 

 and place himself next day at their head. But when he 

 returned to the seraglio, and learned the near approach of 

 Meer Jaffier, his timid disposition gained the ascendency. 

 He disguised himself in an humble garb, and, with his 

 favourite eunuch and concubine, carrying a casket of his 

 most precious jewels, embarked in a boat and endeavoured 

 to push up the river to Patna, where, from the fidelity of 

 the governor, he expected to be in safety. He arrived at 

 Rajemahl, where the boatmen, overcome by fatigue, in- 

 sisted on resting for the night, and the ex-nabob sought 

 concealment in a deserted garden. In the morning, how- 

 ever, a man of low rank, whose ears in a fit of rage he had 

 formerly caused to be cut off, discovered him, and made the 

 report to a brother of Jaffier, who gave notice to the soldiers 

 engaged in the pursuit. They hastened to seize their prey, 

 and conveyed lum down the river to Muxadavaxl, treating 



