Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

CAPTURE AND MASSACRE. 525yielded at all until the last extreme, had not the leader ofthe Indian mercenaries haply been killed by a missile froma catapult. Many of the body had already been killed, andnearly all were wounded. Thus deprived of leadership, thegallant fellows sent a message to Alexander, who agreed toreceive their capitulation if they (the Indian mercenaries)would enlist as a body in his service, and surrender as hostagesthe family of the king of Massaga. To this theyagreed, marched out, and encamped on an adjoining hill.Itis claimed that they refused to carry out their promise, lestthey should, in Alexander's advance across the Indus, beobliged to fight against their fellow-citizens, and that theymade an attempt to retreat at night. This may or may notbe true ; but Alexander surrounded the hill on which theywere, intercepted their flight, if any was intended, and onone or other pretext the Macedonians got beyond control,attacked them, and cut them all to pieces.Massaga was easily captured by storm after the Indianshad withdrawn. The garrison was put to the sword as ifthere had been no capitulation, — apparently a quite indefensibleact, if these are aU the facts. It is alleged that an examplewas necessary in order to appall the adjoining tribes,and to prevent more Indian mercenaries from coming hitherbut this is scarcely a palliation. Alexander's loss had beentwenty - five killed, and an exceptionally large numberwounded.Alexander now sent a force under Attains, Alcestas, andDemetrius, the cavalry leader, to Ora, with orders to blockadeit until his arrival, which was done. He also dispatchedanother, under Ccenus, to Bazira (probably modern Bajour),hoping it would surrender on hearing of the fate of Massaga.This, however, was not the case. Bazira was situated on alofty hill, and well fortified. Bad news soon came from both