six o'clock
`` I shall keep both eyes on you , my boys , and if you skulk again , I 'll obey orders -- by the Lord Harry , I will ! '' said the sergeant , as he glanced at the lock of his musket . `` Company K is n't going to be laughed at for your cowardice . '' At six o'clock the order came for the brigade to march . It now consisted of only three regiments , for the time of one , composed of three months ' men , had expired while at Centreville ; and though requested and importuned to remain a few days longer , they basely withdrew , even while they were on the very verge of the battlefield . This regiment left , and carried with it the scorn and contempt of the loyal and true men , who were as ready to fight the battles of their country on one day as on another . The men knew they were going to battle now , for the enemy was only a few miles distant .