nine o'clock
The troopers were sometimes employed , instead of the officers , when a short written order had to be sent back to the rear of the column . The harvest having been gathered in , the cavalry rode across the open country , thus reducing the length of the column . The day was very hot , and the infantry opened their ranks , as much as possible , to allow the passage of what little air was moving . At nine o'clock the troops were halted . Each man had been served with a breakfast , before starting ; and the haversacks were now opened , and a meal made of the bread they contained , washed down with an allowance of rough wine , carried in each regimental waggon . Then the men sat down , under the shade of greatcoats supported by ramrods and other contrivances , and either slept or talked until half-past two ; when the bugle sounded . The greatcoats were rolled up and strapped on to the knapsacks , then there was a vigorous use of the brush , to remove the thick dust gathered on the march .