about seven o'clock
Retracing my steps as rapidly as possible , I returned to the hill , and directed Frank to ride with all consistent speed to General Morell or General Porter , who would no doubt be met advancing on the road , and report that the enemy had taken such a position that in order to reach his right flank it would be necessary for the Union troops to cross to the west side of the Central railroad some miles south of Hanover Court-House . I directed him to report also my doubt as to whether Branch had really moved or had been reënforced , and to say that I should endeavour at once to resolve this doubt , and to report again through Jones . Frank rode away on his mission . It was about seven o'clock . I put on the gray uniform . A lump came into my throat when I saw that all the rents had been mended , but I had no time to give to sentiment . My glass was slung over my shoulder beneath the gum-blanket , with which I had been covered all night as a protection from the rain .