The Hajee had directed his son-in-law, Attahullah Khan, the foujdar of Rajemahl, to intercept all correspondence between Bengal and Bahar, so that the first intelligence which Sira­fraz Khan received of the motions of Alyvirdy Khan, was that of his being arrived at Raje­mahl. The city of Moorshedabad was thrown into the utmost consternation at the intelligence of this unlooked-for invasion; whilst the Hajee impudently protested, that his brother was only coming to pay his dutiful respects. Sira­fraz Khan, however, ordered the Hajee into custody, and sent off a considerable detachment under the command of Ghowss Khan*, and Meer Sherefeddeen, to oppose the farther progress of Alyvirdy Khan. Hafeezullah Khan*, commonly called Mirza Amanee*, (who had married one of Sirafraz Khan’s daugh­ters) together with Yasseen Khan*, the fouj­dar of Moorshedabad, were appointed to take care of the city and the seraglio. Sirafraz Khan marched shortly after, attended by the following principal officers: Ghezenfir Hussein Khan*, and Hussan Mahommed Khan*, (both Sira­fraz Khan’s sons-in-law) Meer Mohammed Bau­ker Khan*, Mirza Mohammed Irej Khan*, Meer Kamel*, Meer Gudiey*, Meer Hyder Shah*, Meer Deleer Aly*, Beejy­singh*, Rajah Gundrep*, Shumsheer Khan Koreishy* foujdar of Sylhet, Shuja Kuly Khan, foujdar of Hooghly, Meer Hubeeb, Mirdan Aly Khan*, and many other mun­sebdars, besides the troops of the zemindars, forming altogether a very numerous army, with a large train of artillery. The first day they encamped at Behmeniah* —The second march was to Dewan Serai*. —The third day they came to Khemreh*. Here, upon examining the ammunition, it was discovered that instead of shot for the guns, they had brought bricks and clods of earth; whereupon, the darogha of the artillery, Sheriar Khan*, who was related to the Hajee, was given in charge to the cheelahs; and succeeded in office by Panchoo, the son of Antonio, a Portuguese physician.

The encampment of Alyvirdy Khan extended from Aurungabad* beyond Sooty*, to Cherka Bilghuttah*.

On the fourth day after leaving Moorsheda­bad, in an hour which the astrologers had declared to be fortunate, Sirafraz Khan marched out from his encampment to meet the enemy. The troops rushed on to the attack with such eagerness, and the artillery was so well served, that Alyvirdy Khan’s troops gave way, and the victory would have been decisive for Sirafraz Khan, had he not been misled by the evil coun­sel of the Royroyan; who, seeing that the for­tune of his confederates would be totally ruined should Sirafraz Khan pursue the advantage, represented to him, that the troops being exhausted with fatigue, and dying of thirst, it would be highly imprudent to expose them any longer to the heat of the day, and therefore advised him to desist till the next morning, when his men having recruited their strength, would gain an easy victory over the routed and dis­heartened enemy. In compliance with this evil advice, and in direct opposition to the inclina­tion of his troops, Sirafraz Khan gave over the pursuit, and encamped at Geriah Nullah*. The enemy had retreated to Rajemahl.

After this he was completely duped by a let­ter from Alyvirdy Khan, couched in terms of submission, and solemnly protesting, that he was only coming to pay his dutiful respects. Sirafraz Khan was so entirely deceived by these professions, that he not only restored the Hajee to liberty, but even sent him to assure Alyvirdy Khan of his good disposition, and desire to see him. Along with the Hajee, he sent Shuja Kuly Khan, and Kojeh Bussunt, to make observations on their conduct.

Alyvirdy Khan, who had hitherto proceeded with caution, from the dread that if he declared his intention of deposing Sirafraz Khan, he would retaliate upon the Hajee, received his brother with raptures, and considered his arrival as the sure omen of their future victory. However, in order to deceive the messengers, he, in their presence, spoke of his absolute inability to oppose the mighty forces of Sirafraz Khan; and having previously folded up a brick in a piece of cloth, which he pretended was the Koran, made a solemn oath thereon, that he would the next morning throw himself at the feet of Sirafraz Khan, and implore his protection. He presented each of the messengers with an offering of two hundred gold mohurs; and, in short, acted his part so well, that they also were deceived; and on their return, satisfied Sirafraz Khan upon the rectitude of Alyvirdy’s intentions. Sirafraz Khan was delighted with their report. He called for his bekawul, or clerk of the kitchen, ordered him to prepare an entertainment for the next day; and, with a cheerful heart, went to sleep in his tent. His troops having heard that a peace was concluded, paid no farther attention to their duty.

After the departure of Sirafraz Khan’s mes­sengers, Alyvirdy Khan called a council of his principal officers, when he communicated to them his intention of attacking the enemy’s camp, and promised the troops a gratuity of two months pay, and free plunder.