Savoy; and they had no other means of prosecuting the
siege of Turin than by taking post behind the lines of cir-
cumvallation, which they considered impregnable.

The momentous enterprise of Victor Amadeus and Eugene
was conducted with consummate skill and promptitude. They
met, for the first time, in a meadow near Carmagnola, and
having settled their dispositions, effected the junction of their
troops on the ensuing day. Ascending the heights of Su-
perga, which command the plain surrounding the capital,
they surveyed the dispositions and works of the enemy, and
arranged the plan of attack. Inspirited by a succour so un-
expected, the confidence of the duke of Savoy equalled his
former depression. To the master of his household, who
inquired where he intended to dine on the following day, he
replied, with impatience and enthusiasm, "At Turin! at
Turin!" ^* Nor did the event disappoint his sanguine hopes.
The ensuing morning the hostile lines were attacked, between
the Doria and the Stura, and the advantage of superior num-
bers being rendered unavailing, by the skilful combinations of
the assailants, the enemy was forced, after a bloody resistance;
and the victorious commanders carried relief to the capital,
at the moment when breaches were opened in the rampart,
and the garrison was reduced to the last charge of powder. ^†
Marsin was mortally wounded, and made prisoner, 9000 men
were either killed or taken, and the army which had so long
given law to Italy was driven in confusion and disgrace to-
wards the borders of Dauphiné. Eugene imparted the joyful
intelligence to his friend and colleague, with his characteristic
brevity.

"Your highness will not, I am sure, be displeased to bear by the Baron
de Hondorff of the signal advantage which the arms of his imperial ma-
jerty and his allies have gained over the enemy. You have had so great
a share in it by the succours you have procured, that you must permit
me to thank you again. Marshal Marsin is taken prisoner and mortally
wounded. The troops have greatly signalised themselves. In a few
days I will send you a correct account; and in the mean time refer you
to that which you will hear from the bearer of this letter, who is well-in-
formed, has seen every thing, and is competent to give an accurate rela-

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