Midnight
He seemed to have been everywhere , and gained access to everybody ; and once more , as in June , 1863 , when he appeared at Stuart 's head-quarters , near Middleburg , he astonished me by the accuracy and extent of his information . Political and military secrets of the highest importance , and calling for urgent action on the part of the Government , were detailed by Nighthawk , in his calm and benignant voice ; he gave us an account of a long interview which he had had at City Point , with General Grant ; and wound up as usual by announcing an impending battle -- a movement of the enemy , which duly took place as he announced . Mr. X ----- listened with close attention , asking few questions . When Nighthawk had made his report , the statesman looked at his watch , said , _ sotto voce _ , `` Midnight -- too late , '' and added aloud : -- `` Come back at ten to-morrow morning , my friend ; your information is highly interesting and important . '' Nighthawk rose , and I did likewise , declining the courteous request of Mr. X ----- to prolong my visit . He held the door open with great politeness and said , smiling : -- `` I need not say , my dear colonel , that the views I have expressed this evening are confidential -- for the present , at least . '' `` Assuredly , '' I replied , with a bow and a smile .