noon
Captain Foster and his lieutenant then returned to camp for a brief period of rest . Both were well satisfied with the early forenoon 's work . There was , however , as Foster guessed , other and grimmer work yet ahead of the military . By noon the soldiers at camp found themselves well rested . Nearly all of them had had some hours of sleep . The midday dinner was served , the officers eating at the same time , though sitting apart from their men . As they finished , Captain Foster said : `` Overton , I shall leave you in command of the camp this afternoon .