The Russians devised skilful moves for capturing this force.

On January 5-8 Prince Mirsky threaded his way with a strong column through the deep snows of the Travna Pass, about twenty-five miles east of the Shipka, which he then approached; while Skobeleff struggled through a still more difficult defile west of the central position.

The total strength of the Russians was 56,000 men.

On the 8th, when their cannon were heard thundering in the rear of the Turkish earthworks at the foot of the Shipka Pass, Radetzky charged down on the Turkish positions in front, while Mirsky assailed them from the east.

Skobeleff meanwhile had been detained by the difficulties of the path and the opposition of the Turks on the west.