about eight o'clock
`` Let us commend our souls to God , gentlemen , '' he said reverently , `` and beseech Him to strengthen our hearts in the approaching encounter . '' It may have been pure fancy on my part , but as we rode along the lines I seemed to miss that air of cheerful confidence which had been so evident at Roche Abeille . The men greeted their general with cheers , and I had no doubt they would do their duty ; but they lacked that eager vivacity which goes so far toward winning victory . Across the plain the enemy were drawn up in two lines with their artillery posted on a hill , and about eight o'clock the first cannon ball came booming toward us . Instantly our guns replied , and a fierce artillery duel which lasted throughout the battle began . `` Their guns are heavier than ours , and carry a farther distance , '' I observed to Felix . `` It matters little , '' replied he ; `` the battle will be decided by the sword .