This Chief was extraordinarily late in taking the held. It was not till the end of July, that he pitched his camp at Nissa; but from this place, he pursued with vigour his grand object, to carry the war into the enemy's country.
For this purpose, he turned out of the direct road to Belgrade, opposite to which, in the vicinity of Semlin, the Imperialists were encamped, and, directing his march immediately towards Hungary, crossed the Danube, and, with his whole force, invaded that kingdom.
The Austrian General, Wartensleben, who had been ordered to watch the motions of the enemy about Orsowa, occupied a strong post in the vicinity of Meadia, from which an advanced corps of the Grand Vizir's army, drove him on the 28th of August.
According to the Turkish plan I saw of this action, the defile lies between two high mountains; and in the bottom, a little within the pass, lies the town. The Austrians were encamped on the hill on the right, which was looked upon as unassailable on the side towards the Turks. But these enthusiastic people stormed these stupendous heights with the most romantic bravery, and carried them, sword in hand.
It was not valour only, which distinguished the Turks on this occasion; for the Seraskier who commanded, sent a considerable detachment previous to the attack, to make a circuit, and get to the interior side of the hill on the left, that, if his efforts were crowned with success, this corps might enable him to reap the fruit of his labours, by appearing on the flank of the enemy, and cutting off their retreat from the town. In this they completely succeeded. Meadia fell into their hands; and General Wartensleben was obliged to retreat towards Slatina, leaving all his magazines in the hands of the enemy.
As soon as the Emperor was informed of the invasion of Hungary, he put his grand army in motion; and, on the 30th of August, he had reached Caransebes, within two days march of General Wartensleben's corps; but the news of this General's defeat, checked his Majesty's progress. On the 3d of September, however, he again resumed his march, and, advancing towards Slatina, fixed his camp at Illova.
In the mean while, the Seraskier and his detachment, after securing the magazines, remained in the neighbourhood of Meadia some days, waiting the arrival of the Grand Vizir, who immediately advanced, to offer battle to the grand Imperial army, and, on the 10th of September, encamped in sight of the enemy. The Emperor, however, declined the attack. The Grand Vizir, therefore, began a war of posts, by which, in a few days, he reduced the enemy to the alternative of either quitting their position, or of seeing their retreat cut off, should their intrenchments be stormed.
Among other movements, a considerable corps were ordered, on the 14th, to turn the right wing of the Austrians. The Turks made this attack with such impetuosity, that they completely routed all this part of the enemy's line, and the Spahis cut to pieces the whole regiment of Wurmser Hussars.
The Grand Vizir was now enabled to cannonade the Emperor's camp; and, on the 21st, having brought all his schemes to bear, and taken every means to frustrate the enemy's retreat, should victory crown the Ottoman arms, he advanced to attack the grand Imperial army. The Emperor, however, did not think fit to risk the event, but broke up his camp, and retreated with the greatest precipitation.
The Turks had now all the honour and advantages of a victory, without the trouble of fighting for one. The Emperor fled before them; and his rear, with a great part of his baggage and artillery, fell a prey to the enemy. Some thousands of his troops were killed, or taken, and his whole army thrown into such confusion, that, in the night, two of his columns, meeting unexpectedly, fired on each other.