midnight
`` First , like a low jar of thunder , but with increasing volume and threatening significance , the distant roar of artillery quickened the steps of those who held out . Major Strahan was again on his feet , with other officers , their horses loaded down with the rifles of the men . Even food and blankets , indeed almost everything except ammunition , was thrown away by the men , for , in the effort to reach the field in time , an extra pound became an intolerable burden . `` At midnight we were halted on what was then the extreme left of Meade 's position . When we formed our regimental line , as usual , at the close of the day , not over one hundred men and but five or six officers were present . Over one hundred and fifty had given out from the heat and fatigue . The moment ranks were broken the men threw themselves down in their tracks and slept with their loaded guns by their sides .