Peko had then a force of about 1500 men, and Mukhtar did not attempt an attack, but, having made a military promenade through the lower Herzegovina, went back to Mostar and into comfortable winter quarters.

Peko took position astride the road from Ragusa to Trebinje, and held the latter place effectually blockaded.

A provision train was about to leave Ragusa, and a force of five battalions of Turkish regulars, with 400 irregulars and six guns, was sent from Trebinje as escort.

A force of two companies was posted on two hills commanding the road about midway, and, though Peko had decided to wait for the train, he, being a natural strategist, saw that this force must be disposed of to give him a clear field.

He accordingly attacked the main body and drove it back to Trebinje with a loss of 250 men (counted by the noses brought in).