nine o'clock
`` Ah , '' said Heemskerk , silently moving his round body to a little higher point for a better view , `` now I feel in all its fullness the truth that I should be back in Holland , painting blue plates . '' Nevertheless , Cornelius Heemskerk made a very accurate survey of the Iroquois village , considering the distance and the brevity of the time , and when the party went back to Colonel Butler to tell him the way was open , he revolved along as swiftly as any of them . There were also many serious thoughts in the back of his head . At nine o'clock the little colonial force was within half a mile of Oghwaga , and nothing had yet occurred to disclose whether the Iroquois knew of their advance . Henry and his comrades , well in front , looked down upon the town , but saw nothing . No light came from an Indian chimney , nor did any dog howl . Just behind them were the troops in loose order , Colonel Butler impatiently striking his booted leg with a switch , and William Gray seeking to restrain his ardor , that he might set a good example to the men .