a quarter to three in the morning
The attacking party numbered 1014 rank and file , besides officers and noncommissioned officers . This was exclusive of the two regiments forming the supports . The attacking force was divided into three columns . At a quarter to three in the morning , the column moved out . The enemy 's pickets discovered the advance , as soon as it passed the outlying work known as Forbes ' Barrier and , after firing , fell back . Lieutenant Colonel Hugo 's column , which was in front , pushed on rapidly ; and entered the enemy 's lines without opposition , when the pioneers began to dismantle the work . Hardenberg 's Regiment and the central column attacked and carried the tremendous work known as the San Carlos Battery .