seven o’clock in the morning
He cast a long , searching look on the gray , moist , and wintry horizon , and the dense mist which shrouded every thing at a distance of ten paces caused his eyes to sparkle with delight , `` That mist is an excellent ally of ours , for it will conceal our movements from the enemy . Issue your orders , gentlemen ; let the whole army take up arms as silently as possible . '' The emperor then mounted on horseback and rode through the camp to see the infantry and cavalry form in column . It was now seven o'clock in the morning . The mist began to rise ; the first feeble rays of the December sun pierced it and commenced gradually illuminating the landscape . The emperor placed himself on a small knoll , where his eye embraced the whole field of battle ; his marshals were on horseback at his side , anxiously awaiting his order to commence the combat . Profound silence reigned everywhere ; but suddenly it was interrupted by a very brisk fire of artillery and musketry .