eight o'clock
Slowly the night waned , and the shrill tones of _ reveille _ told that another day had risen before the murky sky brightened . Hundreds , who had sprung up at that call twenty-four hours ago , now lay stiffening in their gore , sleeping their last sleep , where neither the sound of fife and drum , nor the battle-cry of comrades , would ever rouse them from their final rest before Malvern Hill -- over which winds wailed a requiem , and trailing , dripping clouds settled like a pall . The bustle and stir of camp increased as preparations were made to follow the foe , who had again taken up the line of retreat ; but within the tent unbroken silence reigned . It was apparent that Russell was sinking fast , and at eight o'clock he awoke , looked uneasily around him , and said feebly -- `` What is going on in front ? '' `` McClellan has evacuated Malvern Hill , and is in full retreat toward his gunboats , '' answered the doctor . `` Then there will be no more fighting . My shattered regiment will rest for a season .