The Battle of Tul-Mu

In August 1449, 500,000 troops left Beijing bound for the step led by a coterie of seasoned officers and high military officials. The campaign against Essen was nothing short of a disaster. Less than three weeks after departing Beijing, the army turned around. But rather than head back directly, Wang Jin persuaded the Zheng Tong emperor to retrace their steps and head to the northeast,. exposing the troops to Essen's forces. On August 31st, the Ming army campaigned outside of the Tul-mu postal station about 100 miles from the city. Early the next morning, Essen ordered a surprise attack. All of the Ming generals were killed as well as two grand secretaries, the