SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 241
Hind. As soon as it became apparent that after spend- ing the revenue that had been levied from the country and the proceeds arising from the plundered booty, the pay of the soldiery, amounting to about six million rupees, was due, the vain illusion was dissipated from Bhaoji 's brain. The latter 's dislike to Raghunath Rao, moreover, had now broken into open contumely and discord, and Balaji Rao, vexed and disgusted at find- ing his own brother despised and disparaged, sent a letter to Bhaoji, declaring that it was essentially requi- site for him now to unfurl the banner of invasion in person against Hindustan, and endure the fatigues of the campaign, since he was so admirably fitted for the undertaking. Bhao, without positively refusing to consent to his wishes, managed to evade compliance for a whole year, by having recourse to prevarication and subterfuge. In the next year (1759-60 A. D.), Biswas Rao, Balaji Rao's eldest son, who was seventeen years old, solicited the command of the. army from his father; and though the latter was in reality displeased with his request, yet he sent him off in company with Bhaoji, Malhar Rao, Pilaji Jadaun, Jan Rao Dhamadsari, Shamsher Baha- dur, Sabuli Dadaji Rao, Jaswant Rao Bewar, Balwant Rao, Ganesh Rao, and other famous and warlike lead- ers, together with a force of 35,000 cavalry. Ibrahim Khan Gardi, who was the superintendent of the Euro- pean artillery, likewise accompanied him. Owing to the extreme sultriness of the hot season, they were obliged to rest every other day, and thus by alter-