It is related that one of the Servian deputies Stephen Schiwkowitsch, a wealthy merchant, conversant with the Turkish and Greek languages, who had previously rendered important services to his countrymen by procuring them ammunition contributed materially to the resistance which was opposed to Afis Pacha. By representing, at Constantinople, that, in order to prevent bloodshed, the Servians ought to be assured that Afis proceeded in this matter at the express command of the Porte, he managed to get himself sent to Servia for this purpose. In Servia, however, he stated the real facts only to the chiefs j whilst, with an air of truth, he related to the people that Afis had been commissioned to march into Servia with not more than 300 men ; and that, should he appear at the head of a larger army, they would be justified in opposing him.
Finally, lie induced Guschanz Ali to believe, that, despite of the interest made for himself, Afis had been appointed to the Pachalic through bribery. “ Well, then,” replied Guschanz, “beat him out of the country!” and, in the mean time, lie was content to remain quiet at Belgrade with his Krdschalies; though a part of the blockading army was withdrawn.
Thus the Servians were enabled to arm themselves, and were prepared to repel the Pacha’s attack by force, should necessity require it. On the extreme boundary of the Pachalic, between Iyjupria and Parakyn, Milenko and Peter Dobrin- jaz took up a position, with a force of 2500 men and a piece of iron ordnance, behind two intrench- ments, one large and the other small. In their rear, on the left bank of the Morawa, in the mountains of Jagodina, Kara George encamped with the people of the Schumadia.
An engagement, however, did not immediately ensue on the appearance of Afis. At first, the Servians only required that he should pursue the usual road, hitherto taken by all the Pachas, over Jagodina; as, on that route alone, the requisite accommodation had been provided. Afis, aware probably that on that very road another Servian army awaited him, insisted upon proceeding along the right bank of the Morawa down the Danube. The Servians replied “ That part of the country had been laid waste by war, and could not supply an army.” Afis became angry, and exclaimed “ Am I to ask robbers which road I am to take to Belgrade?”