[1][2][3] After suffering a heavy defeat in the 1787 October Campaign, Sheikh Mansur was forced to retreat to the fortress Sudzhuk-Kale.

In one of the letters, sent to the Chechens on January 1, Mansur promised them that he would soon return to Chechnya with an army of 6,000 cavalry, 9,000 infantry, and artillery, after which he would go to war with the Russians.

Caucasus Viceroy Peter Tekeli commented that "supported by assurances from the shikh, gathering in large detachments, they carry out attacks everywhere.

"Inflamed by Mansur's letters," Tekelli reported, "the Chechens are increasingly disobeying their rulers and elders and launching attacks on the Russian borders.

"[4] On the night of January 16, a detachment of 600 Chechens crossed the Terek River and made their way to the plantation, 40 miles from the village Chervlyonnaya.