noon
They could see that every stream they crossed was far above its normal mark , and the last hope that they might find the Potomac low enough for fording disappeared . The watchers on the hills were still there , despite the rain , but they did no sharpshooting . Nor did the Southern force do damage to anybody or anything , as it passed . Near noon Sherburne resolved to build a fire in a cove protected by cliffs and heavy timber , and give his men warm food lest they become dispirited . It was a task to set the wet wood , but the men of his command , used to forest life , soon mastered it . Then they threw on boughs and whole tree trunks , until a great bonfire blazed and roared merrily , thrusting out innumerable tongues of red and friendly flame . `` Is there anything more beautiful than a fine fire at such a time ? ''