According to our information, the Japanese main forces had crossed on to the right bank of the Tai-tzu Ho, between Liao-yang and Pen-hsi-hu, and were disposed approximately as follows: In the centre, behind the line Yen-tai station–Yen-tai mines, six divisions with brigades in reserve; on the right, écheloned along the line Pan-chia-pu-tzu–Pen-hsi-hu, two divisions with brigades in reserve; on the left, more or less along the line San-de-pu–Sha-tai-tzu, two divisions with their reserves. The enemy had fortified their positions on the Yen-tai heights and at Pan-chia-pu-tzu. It was decided, therefore, that the first object of our advance was to hurl the Japanese back on to the left bank of the Tai-tzu Ho. To do this we were to deliver a frontal attack, and at the same time endeavour to turn their right, so that, if successful, we should dislodge them from the hills. Orders were issued for the forward movement to commence on October 5. The following was the plan of advance decided upon by me: 1. _Western Force._—This force, under Bilderling, consisting of the 10th and 17th Corps (total, 64 battalions, 40 squadrons and _sotnias_, 196 guns, and 2 sapper battalions), was to make a demonstration in front against the enemy’s main force. 2. _Eastern Force._—This force, under Shtakelberg, consisting of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Siberians (total, 73 battalions, 29 squadrons and _sotnias_, 142 guns, 6 mortars, 32 machine-guns, and 3 sapper battalions), was to attack the right flank of the enemy, moving round it from the east. The first objective of this force was the enemy’s positions at Pan-chia-pu-tzu.[78] 3. _The General Reserve._—This, consisting of the 1st Army Corps and 4th Siberians, with Mischenko’s brigade (total, 56 battalions, 20 _sotnias_, 208 guns, 30 mortars, and 2 sapper battalions), was to move up in rear of the interval between the western and eastern forces. 4. _The 6th Siberians_ (32 battalions, 6 _sotnias_, 96 guns, and 1 sapper battalion) was to remain temporarily in Mukden (with a brigade at Tieh-ling), so that it might either be moved to a flank or added to the reserve, according as the operations developed. 5. _Flank Guards._—A force of 30-1/2 battalions, 39 _sotnias_, 82 guns, and 1 sapper battalion was told off to protect the flanks. Of this, 19-1/2 battalions, 25 _sotnias_, 64 guns, and the sapper battalion were to take part in the attack of the enemy’s position while keeping touch with Dembovski’s and Rennenkampf’s columns of the eastern and western forces respectively. 6. Should the enemy concentrate towards their right, an endeavour was to be made to break through their centre in the direction of the Yen-tai mines by the 6th Siberians, with Bilderling’s force and the general reserve. The advance began on October 5, and meeting with no determined opposition, we on the 9th occupied the following positions: _Western Force._—The line Shih-li-ho–Ta-pu. _Eastern Force._—The line San-chia-tzu–Shang-shan-tzu–Ununin.