half past one o'clock
But we were the home-guard , and our own lives were nothing to us , if only we could save the defenceless . In the dark and trying hour , In the breaking forth of power , In the rush of steeds and men , His right hand will shield thee then . -- LONGFELLOW . It was just half past one o'clock when the sweet-toned bell in the Presbyterian Church steeple began to ring . Dr. Hemingway was at the rope in the belfry . His part was to give us our signal . At the first peal the windows of every Union home blazed with light .