Volume 27: Balaji Bajirao's northern campaigns II
No.117 - 21 October 1755
Antaji Mankeshwar defeats Anirudhsingh of Jaipur.
Anirudhsingh marched from Ramgadh on Ch. 9 Moharram and camped at Datia. He had a force of about 25 to 30 thousand. Our army was near him. We were at a distance of about 15 kos. Splitting his forces into 3 columns, Anirudhsingh departed the next day and marched into Marwar's territory. Early at dawn, our army caught up with them near Chandoli. The force here was 6 to 7 thousand along with artillery. We fought a good battle. Their firepower was immense, but our men charged through it and attacked their artillery first. After disabling it, it turned into a sword fight for the next 3 or 4 ghatikas. He lost 7 to 8 hundred men dead, and we seized another 1000 horses, as well as 40 camels. 2 field pieces, 3 mortars, 4 artillery pieces with carriages, were captured, and his army routed.
On our side, Kasiba Falke was killed, and many wounded. 1 sardar killed by a sword. Naikji Jadhav hit by a bullet on his thigh, as well as Kusaji Jathar. 50 soldiers killed. By the Swami's fortune, Chandoli was captured. What is left of his army will also be defeated. In one or two days, we will engage them again. When I get more news, I will send more letters.
No.194 - August 1757
Siege of Delhi by Raghunathrao.
We assembled early at dawn. Opening fire from the batteries, we pushed ahead and got close to the Kashmir gate, killing the defenders en route. We have now set up a new battery there and opened fire. Kurchia(?) gardens were captured afterwards, followed by the Begum gardens. Some artillery on carts have been posted there. The Kurchia gardens have large cannons. Firing has begun. We are now firing from multiple sides. The batteries are always manned, and continue to fire, even during the night. Whichever place is breached first, we will send reinforcements. The Nawab Ghaziuddin Khan said he is coming, but he hasn't arrived yet. At the center we need a large battery. Rajashri Manaji Paygude is here, but he is falling short. So the Nawab's arrival is awaited. If he is of no help today, then when will he help? Rajashri Shamsher Bahadur should also be sent to Rajashri Paygude. By firing at multiple places, they will be forced to spread out their artillery and thus reduce casualties on our side. The Nawab should be immediately sent to Moghulpuri.
No.218 - 21 April 1758
Hari Bhide sends Nana Fadnavis details about Raghunathrao's expedition into Punjab.
I am writing on Chaitra Shuddha 13 Ma. near Lahore from the river bank. I sent 2 or 3 letters earlier, but did not get any. Shrimant Saheb defeated Abdul Samad Khan at Sirhind and captured the entire province. It was assigned to Adina Beg, the Mughal sardar as governor. We marched on Lahore, which had Abdali's son and Jahan Khan with an army of 20,000. Manaji Paygude, Gangadhar Bajirao, Gopalrao Ganesh were in the vanguard as we crossed the river. They advanced and fell upon his army. The Afghan army panicked, and left behind their camp and artillery. 4000 of them fled across the Chenab, we destroyed the rest and captured their camp and baggage. We chased them up to the river. The river had flooded by the time we reached. Otherwise, we would have destroyed what was left of his army. Shrimant saheb's fortune is great. Jahan Khan and Taimur Shah escaped. News of our victory reached Hindustan, Jats, Delhi and awed them. Southern armies, which had never reached Delhi, on the banks of the Chenab. If the river was not flooded, the entire army would have marched to Attock. Sahat(part of the army?) however did cross Attock. We are building a bridge to cross and bring force upon Attock. After Lahore is secured and arrangements made for its defense, Dadasaheb will return home.