seven o'clock in the evening
At first I attempted to retaliate by sending some of the marines in pursuit , but by the time they got up to the spot from whence the shots were fired no enemy was to be seen , and I was only too glad to get them back without having them cut off . This showed me that our enemies , though persevering , were not numerous . Considering all the difficulties I had to encounter , it is not surprising that when we arrived at the place of embarkation our stock had been reduced to forty-three head of cattle , with a proportionate diminution in our sheep , though our two carts with the pigs and poultry arrived all safe . We embarked at seven o'clock in the evening on board some vessels sent to carry us and the result of our foraging expedition , to our respective ships . I had not lost a man , and with the exception of my own hurt , no one was wounded . I felt sure that my success was attributable to the dispositions I had made , and the careful way I had effected my retreat , and that seeing me so well prepared to receive them had prevented the enemy from attacking me . I expressed myself to this effect when I returned on board , but was only laughed at for my pains , and asked what I had to fear from a few despicable rebel boors , whom a volley would in an instant put to flight .