nine
o'clock
Blankets were spread out on the ground round these fires , and the men lit their pipes and chatted gaily . All were more or less tired for , although their month 's hard drill had accustomed them to work , eighteen miles with arms , ammunition , and accouterments had tired them more than they had anticipated . As this was their first night out , Major Tempe told them that he should not place a regular cordon of sentries ; but that in future he should do so , whether they were near the enemy or not . By nine o'clock the fires began to burn low , the talking gradually ceased , and the men -- rolling themselves up in their blankets , and putting their haversacks under their heads , for pillows -- soon dropped off to sleep ; a solitary sentry keeping guard against pilferers . A short march of ten miles took them , next day , to Rambervillers , where they were billeted among the inhabitants ; and fourteen miles on the day after to Baccarat , on the river Meurthe , where they also obtained quarters . They were now approaching the neighborhood of the enemy , and Major Tempe advised a halt for the next day ; in order that he might make inquiries , and investigate thoroughly the best route to be pursued . Chapter 5 : The First Engagement .