one in the morning
They sued to us for peace , and then detachments from both war-parties hastened to our help . Of this we were apprised by our runners ; and having previously concerted measures with my father , I started alone to meet these detachments , in the passes of the Mineral Mountains . The returning warriors were seven hundred strong , and had not lost more than thirteen men in their two expeditions ; they divided into three bands , and succeeded , without discovery , in surrounding the prairie in which the enemy were encamped ; an Indian was then sent to cross the river , a few miles to the east , and carry a message to my father . The moon rose at one in the morning . It was arranged that , two hours before its rising , the garrison of the block-house , which had already suffered a great deal , during four days of a close siege , were to let off the fire-works that I had received from the Mexicans at Monterey , and to watch well the shore on their side of the river ; for we were to fall upon the enemy during their surprise , occasioned by such an unusual display . All happened as was intended . At the first rocket , the Bonnaxes , Callapoos , and Umbiquas were on the alert ; but astonishment and admiration very soon succeeded their fear of surprise , which they knew could not be attempted from their opponents in front .