(iii. Damage done to the Bābur-nāma writings.)
That same night when 1 watch (pās), 5 garīs had passed (cir. 10.55 p.m.) and the tarāwīḥ-prayers were over,[2641] such a storm burst, in the inside of a moment, from the up-piled clouds of the Rainy-season, and such a stiff gale rose, that few tents were left standing. I was in the Audience-tent, about to write (kitābat qīlā dūr aīdīm); before I could collect papers and sections,[2642] the tent came down, with its porch, right on my head. The tūnglūq went to pieces.[2643] God preserved me! no harm befell me! Sections and book[2644] were drenched under water and gathered together with much difficulty. We laid them in the folds of a woollen throne-carpet,[2645] put this on the throne and on it piled blankets. The storm quieted down in about 2 garīs (45m.); the bedding-tent was set up, a lamp lighted, and, after much trouble, a fire kindled. We, without sleep, were busy till shoot of day drying folios and sections.
(jjj. Pursuit of Bīban and Bāyazīd resumed.)
(May 26th) I crossed the water on Thursday morning (Ramān 18th).
(May 27th) On Friday (19th) I rode out to visit Sikandarpūr and Kharīd.[2646] Today came matters written by ‘Abdu‘l-lāh (kitābdār) and Bāqī about the taking of Luknūr.[2647]
(May 28th) On Saturday (20th) Kūkī was sent ahead, with a troop, to join Bāqī.[2648]
(May 29th) That nothing falling to be done before my arrival might be neglected, leave to join Bāqī was given on Sunday (21st) to Sl. Junaid Barlās, Khalīfa’s (son) Ḥasan, Mullā Apāq’sFol. 377. retainers, and the elder and younger brethren of Mumin Ātāka.
Today at the Other Prayer a special dress of honour and a tīpūchāq horse were bestowed on Shāh Muḥammad (son) of Ma‘rūf Farmūlī, and leave to go was given. As had been done last year (934 AH.), an allowance from Sāran and Kūndla[2649] was bestowed on him for the maintenance of quiver-wearers. Today too an allowance of 72 laks[2650] from Sarwār and a tīpūchāq horse were bestowed on Ismā‘īl Jalwānī, and his leave was given.
About the boats Gunjāīsh and Arāīsh it was settled with Bengalīs that they should take them to Ghāzīpūr by way of Tīr-mūhānī.[2651] The boats Asāīsh and Farmāīsh were ordered taken up the Sarū with the camp.
(May 30th) On Monday (Ramẓān 22nd) we marched from the Chaupāra-Chaturmūk passage along the Sarū, with mind at ease about Bihār and Sarwār,[2652] and after doing as much as 10 kurohs