three o’clock
Under each flower of radiant hue A serpent lies unbidden ; And chance ofttimes doth bring to view That which hath been hidden . -- The Valley of Tayef . The camp was thrown into a turmoil of excitement the next day when it was learned that two regiments of British had indeed endeavored to take General Maxwell 's brigade by surprise . A detachment in search of the governor had reached Liberty Hall shortly after three o'clock that morning , but not finding him at home a quest was made for his private papers , which were saved by the quick wit of his daughter , Susannah . Baffled in this attempt they rejoined their comrades who had surrounded Elizabethtown , expecting to capture the brigade at least . General Maxwell , however , by reason of Harriet 's warning had marched out before their arrival , and surprised the enemy by falling upon them at daybreak . The lively skirmish that ensued , resulted in the loss of several men on each side , while the academy , where were kept stores of various kinds , the Presbyterian Hospital , and a few other buildings were burned by the British in their retreat .