To Lin Biao and Others

(1935, November 21)

Lin, Nie, Li, Deng:

1. Today the enemy 35th Division’s cavalry regiment was completely routed; the seizure of spoils is currently being inventoried.

2. Mao Bingwen’s main force is still along the line from Nianlipu to Hongdecheng and the area east of it, about three to four days’ march from us, but his advance force, one infantry regiment and one cavalry regiment, is closer to us. At Zhentiecheng there is a unit of the Fengjun.

3. Our army resolutely prepares to wipe out Mao Bingwen’s advance force and seeks to achieve reorganization. Tomorrow, the 22nd:

(A) The 1st Column moves to the vicinity of Erdaochuan and Sandaochuan to camp for the night, dispatching troops to reconnoiter the upper reaches of the two streams.

(B) The 2nd Column rests in place at Yangchengzi and Wuqizhen, dispatching troops to reconnoiter the upper reaches of Toudaochuan.

(C) The 3rd Column rests in place at Ningbaochuan.

(D) The Detachment Directly Subordinate Unit is at Wuqizhen.

4. Prepare to rest for one more day on the 22nd.

5. Step up efforts to amass three days’ worth of grain.

6. Step up efforts to conduct education and explain the Detachment’s directive.

Mao

21st, 10:00

II

Lin, Nie:

We are leading the 23rd Sub-unit to Liuhewan at the point ten jin from the two ends of Erdaochuankou. Report on the combat situation as it develops. The 20th Sub-unit remains at Wuqizhen.

Mao

21st, 13:30

III

Lin, Nie:

1. Tomorrow (the 22nd) rest for one day in the vicinity of Wuqizhen. The 1st Column is at Erdaochuan, Sandaochuan, and the Column headquarters location.

2. The 2nd Column is at Wuqizhen, the Detachment headquarters at Yangchengzi. At Wuqizhen, each unit is to fully prepare two to three days’ worth of grain.

Mao

21st, 18:00