one o’clock
A cloud of Polish cavalry , distinguished by their long lances and floating banners , loitered in their rear . We had not time for further observation , when the drums on our side beat to arms , and the hoarse cry , `` Fall in , -- fall in there , lads ! '' resounded along the line . It was now one o'clock , and before half an hour the troops had resumed the position of the morning , and stood silent and anxious spectators of the scene before them . Upon the table-land to the rear of the French position , we could descry the gorgeous tent of King Joseph , around which a large and splendidly-accoutred staff were seen standing . Here , too , the bustle and excitement seemed considerable , for to this point the dark masses of the infantry seemed converging from the extreme right ; and here we could perceive the royal guards and the reserve now forming in column of attack . From the crest of the hill down to the very valley , the dark , dense ranks extended , the flanks protected by a powerful artillery and deep masses of heavy cavalry .