two in the morning
Some daring Yankee cavalrymen , a band of skirmishers or scouts , fifty or a hundred perhaps , coming by a devious way , had approached the outer defenses and fired a few shots at long range . The garrison replied , and then the reckless Yankees galloped away before they could be caught . `` Very inconsiderate of them , '' said the Secretary , `` disturbing honest people on a peaceful night like this . Why , it must be at least half-past two in the morning . '' `` You will observe , Mr. Redfield , '' said Prescott , `` that the Yankee army has not got past General Lee , and the city will not belong to the Yankees before daylight . '' `` Not a single Yankee soldier ought to be able to come so near to Richmond , '' said the Member of Congress . `` Why , this only gives us a little healthy excitement , Mr. Redfield , '' said the Secretary , smoothly ; `` stirs our blood , so to speak , and teaches us to be watchful .