midnight
At midnight few scenes could be more calm and beautiful , so tenderly did the light of the moon soften and etherealize everything . Even the parked artillery lost much of its grim aspect , and all nature seemed to breathe peace and rest . `` It was rumored that McDowell wished to make part of the march in the evening , and it would have been well if he had done so . A little past midnight a general stir and bustle ran through the sleeping army . Figures were seen moving hurriedly , men forming into lines , and there was a general commotion . But there was no promptness of action . The soldiers stood around , sat down , and at last lay on their arms and slept again .