O P 



96 An Account 



*' pofTeffion in -the country. That their object for the prefent:therefore,. 

 *'' mould be to gain time till the breaking up of the rains, when* the Dur- 

 -•' ranies wouid certainly return to their own country." 



Notwithstanding that all the Mahratta chiefs were unanimous nr 

 recommending this plan, the Bhow, relying on the flrength of his army, 

 and his own courage and ability, would not liften to it, but faid "that 

 " his inferiors had acquired military reputation by their actions in that 

 " country; and it never fhould be reproached to him, that he, who was the 

 " fuperior, had gained nothing but the difgrace of acting ..defeniively-." And 

 he reproached Mulh a R Row with having outlived his activity and his 

 underftanding : at the fame time faying, " that Surja Mul was only a 

 ** Zemindar, that his advice was fuitable enough to his rank and capacity, 

 " but not worth the consideration of men fo much his fuperiors." 



Men of wifdom and experience were furprifed at this arrogance and 

 obftinacy in a man, who always formerly had fhown fo much good 

 fenfe and circumfpection, as the Bhow had done till this expedition; and 

 concluded, that fate had ordained the mifcarriage of their enterprife. Every 

 one became difgufted by his harili and ofrenfive fpeeches, and they faid 

 among themfelves : * * it is better that this Brahman fhould once meet with a*. 

 •' defeat, or elfe what weight and confideration fliall we be allowed ?"* 



The Bhow pofled a body of troops to prevent Surja Mul from 

 leaving the camp : this alarmed him very much, but, as all the chiefs were 

 of one opinion, Mulhar Row and the reft advifed him not to be hafty, 

 but to act as circumftances fhould direct ; and for the prefent, to remain 

 for the fatisfaction of the Bhow. 



