the 17th.  Thus the capital of a region of the same name, was restored to its lawful prince after having been in the hands of the Turks 164 years.  “The success of this victorious campaign filled not only Germany, but all Europe with joy.”  On this occasion, Oglethorpe acted as aid-de-camp; and his active service in attendance upon Prince Eugene; his prompt attention to the orders dictated to him, or transmitted by him; his alertness and fidelity in communicating them; and his fearless exposure to imminent peril in passing from one division of the army to another, gained him commendatory acknowledgments and the increased favor of his Serene Highness.

Notwithstanding these signal victories gained over them, the Turks were determined to continue the contest; and the next year the Grand Signior held a great Divan at Constantinople to take measures for its most vigorous prosecution.  These purposes being put in train, Prince Eugene undertook the siege of Belgrade, their chief strong hold.  “The Turks advanced to its relief, and besieged him in his camp.  His danger was imminent; but military skill and disciplined valor triumphed over numbers and savage ferocity.  He sallied out of his intrenchments, and, falling suddenly upon the enemy, routed them with great slaughter, and took their cannon, baggage, and everything belonging to their camp.  Belgrade surrendered immediately after."[1] On the 16th of August, (1717) the capitulation was signed; and immediately afterwards the Imperialists took possession of a gate, and the out-works; on the 19th Te Deum was solemnly performed in the tent of the Grand Vizier, which had become occupied by Eugene, and on the 22d the place was evacuated.  The Imperialists found prodigious riches in the camp of which they had become possessed; “for the Sultan had emptied his coffers to supply this army, which was by far the most numerous of any set on foot since the famous siege of Vienna."[2]

[Footnote 1:  Russell’s Modern Europe, Vol.  V. p. 3.]

[Footnote 2:  CAMPBELL’S Military History of Eugene, Vol.  II. p. 233.]

“Such was the conclusion of the siege of Belgrade; a place of the last importance to the Imperialists and to the Turks; the bridle of all the adjoining country; the glorious trophy of the valor and conduct of his Serene Highness, Prince Eugene; and the bulwark, not of Germany only, but of all Christendom on this side.”

“Oglethorpe was in active command at the siege and battle of Belgrade, on the south shore of the Danube, in 1717; where he acquired a high and deserved reputation."[1]

[Footnote 1:  Gentleman’s Magazine for 1785, p. 573.]

In the postscript of a letter from Alexander Pope, dated September 8th, 1717, to Edward Blount, Esq., is this remark:  “I hope you will take part in the rejoicing for the victory of Prince Eugene over the Turks, &c.” to which Dr. Warton subjoins this note; “at which General Oglethorpe was present, and of which I have heard him give a lively description.”