a quarter after eleven
To the God of Battles each had committed his cause : and the God of Battles had spoken . Far away to the southward in the boats were the Vermont troops with their general and Rolf in the foremost . Every sign of the fight they had watched as men whose country 's fate is being tried . It was a quarter after eleven when the thunder died away ; and the Vermonters were headed on shore , for a hasty landing , if need be , when down from the peak of the British flag-ship went the Union Jack , and the Stars and Stripes was hauled to take its place . `` Thank God ! '' a soft , murmuring sigh ran through all the boats and many a bronzed and bearded cheek was wet with tears . Each man clasped hands with his neighbour ; all were deeply moved , and even as an audience melted renders no applause , so none felt any wish to vent his deep emotion in a cheer .