nine o'clock in the evening
What credit is there , I should like to know , in thrashing them when we are three to one ? Anyhow , I hope that we shall have some share in the scrimmage . We shall get an idea when the orders are published to-night , and shall see where Fane 's brigade is to be put . '' At nine o'clock in the evening it became known that the general plan of attack predicted by Major Harrison was to be carried out . Some five thousand men under General Ferguson were to ascend the hills on the left of the valley , while Trant , with a thousand Portuguese infantry and some Portuguese horse , were to move on the hills on the right ; the centre , nine thousand strong , and commanded by Sir Arthur himself , were to march straight up the valley . Early in the morning the British troops marched out from Obidos . Ferguson 's command at once turned to the left and ascended the hills , while Trant 's moved to the west .