five o'clock
He handed Davis a large envelope and retreated respectfully two or three paces backward . Everybody affected to resume conversation as the President , breaking the seal , said ; `` Pardon me a moment , madam . '' But he had no sooner ran over the lines than he turned to the courier , crying , in visible discomfiture : `` When did you leave the war office ? '' `` At five o'clock , sir . '' `` General , we must return instantly to Richmond ; a hundred or more of the prisoners have broken out of Libby ! It is reported that a column of the enemy with gunboats have passed up the James . -- Madam , this is one of the exigencies of a time of war .