midnight
There was not a moment to be lost , for if the news reached the enemy the gorge known as Thoroughfare Gap would be occupied , and the whole object of the movement would be defeated . Onward the force pushed , pressing on through fields and lanes without a single halt , until at night , hungry and weary but full of spirit , they marched into the little town of Salem , twenty miles from their starting place . They had neither wagons nor provisions with them , and had nothing to eat but some ears of corn and green apples plucked on the road . It was midnight when they reached Salem , and the inhabitants turned out in blank amazement at the sight of Confederate troops in that region , and welcomed the weary soldiers with the warmest manifestations . At daylight they were again upon the march , with Stuart 's cavalry , as before , out upon each flank . Thoroughfare Gap was reached , and found undefended , and after thirty miles ' marching the exhausted troops reached the neighborhood of Manassas . The men were faint from want of food , and many limped along barefooted ; but they were full of enthusiasm .