ten o'clock in the morning
We all know that the discipline of the King of Prussia 's troops is admirable . In circumstances of great difficulty the Senate exhorts all alike , of whatever rank or position , to give a friendly reception to the Prussian troops . '' The Frankfort battalion received orders to hold itself ready , with band in front , to march out and meet the Prussians and do them honour . From ten o'clock in the morning every advantageous spot , all the belfries and housetops from which the suburbs , and particularly the road from Aschaffenburg could be seen , were crowded with curious spectators . Towards noon the Prussians were descried at Hanau . The railway brought them by thousands and they were seen occupying as if by magic all the strategic points along the line , not without certain precautions which indicated their uneasiness as to what might portend . Nothing occurred , however , until four o'clock .