about midnight
It seemed as though none would permit a moment of repose to the blood until the fond object for which it had been excited should have been attained . All this was remarked from the fort ; but , notwithstanding a vigilant lookout was kept up , Captain Headley had given orders that if small parties of the Indians should seek admission , it was not to be refused to them . This made the duty exceedingly severe , for the men , being compelled to work in harness under a scorching sun , suffered greatly , and none were sorry when , at the close of the day , not only their own task had partially terminated , but the jaded Indians , drunk with too much joy and excitement , were seen wending lazily for the night to their several places of repose . At about midnight Captain Headley and his officers stood , not together , but on different parts of the rampart , watching the encampment of the Pottowatomies . Most of their fires had been extinguished , but towards the centre where stood the tent of Winnebeg , there was a bright flickering glare , around which forms of men could be seen moving to the measured sound of the faintly audible and monotonous drum . `` Now , then , gentlemen , is the moment for exertion . Winnebeg has evidently found it easier , in their present humor , to get his warriors into a war-dance than a sober council ; but no matter in what manner , provided their detention be secured .