eight o'clock
Do n't give yourselves the least concern about ascertaining the numbers that _ have _ polled , but only those that have _ yet to be _ polled ; the returns I will look after . Let those stand behind the check-clerks , who are best acquainted with the names , persons , and circumstances of the voters who come up , and can detect imposture of any sort before the vote is recorded , _ and the mischief done _ . The scoundrel may be thus easily _ kept off _ the poll-books , whom it may cost you a thousand pounds hereafter to attempt to remove , in vain . '' The day was bright and frosty ; and long before eight o'clock the little town was all alive with music , flags , cheering , and crowds passing to and fro . The polling-booth was exceedingly commodious and well constructed , with a view to the most rapid access and departure of the voters . By eight o'clock there were more than a couple of thousand persons collected before the booth ; and -- significant evidence of the transient nature of yesterday 's excitement ! -- the yellow colors appeared as five to one .