41/67 The hopes of the invaders were raised by Skobeleff's capture, on September 3, of Lovtcha, a place half-way between Plevna and the Balkans, which had ensured Osman's communications with Suleiman Pasha. The Turkish losses at Lovtcha are estimated at nearly 15,000 men[147]. 275.] [Footnote 147: F.V.Greene, _op. 232.] This success having facilitated the attack on Plevna from the south, a general assault was ordered for September 11. |