midnight
In the main , however , animation and jollity prevailed ; and from far and near came the sound of song , and laughter , and chaffing . Far down the long slope toward the dark , wooded valley of Bull Run , the light of the fires shaded off into such obscurity as the full moon permitted , while beyond the stream in the far distance a long , irregular line of luminous haze marked the encampments of the enemy . `` As the night advanced the army grew quiet ; near and distant sounds died away ; the canvas tents were like mounds of snow ; and by the flickering , dying flames were multitudes of quiet forms . At midnight few scenes could be more calm and beautiful , so tenderly did the light of the moon soften and etherealize everything . Even the parked artillery lost much of its grim aspect , and all nature seemed to breathe peace and rest . `` It was rumored that McDowell wished to make part of the march in the evening , and it would have been well if he had done so . A little past midnight a general stir and bustle ran through the sleeping army .