Complex sentence: Here the general was nearly reduced to a desperate plight, as the provision train, which was transported by cart and camel, did not come up, and there was the prospect of starvation compelling the victorious army to retreat.
Split into simpler sentences: Here the general was nearly reduced to a desperate plight because the provision, which was transported by cart and camel, did not come up. And a prospect of starvation compelling the victorious army to retreat.