Caxias wants to bypass the Paraguayan strongholds,…

Caxias wants to bypass the Paraguayan strongholds, cut the connections between Asunción and Humaitá, and finally encircle the Paraguayans.

To this end, Caxias marches to Tuiu-Cuê to outflank the left wing of the Paraguayan fortifications, but Mitre, who had retaken command in August 1867, insists on attacking the right wing, a strategy that had previously been disastrous in Curupayty.

Under his orders, the Brazilian squadron forces its way past Curupaity but is forced to stop at Humaitá.

New splits in the high command arise: Mitre wants to continue, but the Brazilians instead capture São Solano, Pike and Tayi, isolating Humaitá from Asunción.

López reacts by attacking the rearguard of the allies in Tuyutí, but suffers further defeats.