midnight
They are well mounted , and every one of them is a dead shot . Captain Gordon , commanding our first company , suggested the idea of organizing a force of mounted riflemen , and a considerable number of them volunteered , and came to Jamestown with us . '' `` They are simply volunteers under your command ; and no application need be made at headquarters to use them , and you can do so , Major , '' replied the captain , who was understood as speaking for the commanding general ; and it was evident that he had influence with him . At the stroke of midnight both of the gentlemen retired . When they looked out of the window in the morning it was still raining ; and it was plain to them that no great progress could be made in military movements while the country was inundated , as it appeared to be from the hotel . In the forenoon Captain Woodbine visited the companies , and looked over the men ; for he plainly depended upon the squadron for particular service . He went to the jail and to the dry-house to see the riflemen who were drilling there under the eye of Captain Ripley and several sergeants from the companies .