3:30 a.m
There is no grumbling because of disturbed sleep , for a rumor has gone about the ship that Spanish vessels have been seen off the coast , and even the cranks on board admit that drills and exercises are necessary . Sea watches have been set , and the rules followed when under way are now operative . A brief explanation of the routine attending the first hours of a naval day may help to make succeeding descriptions more plain . The ship 's daily life commences with the calling of the ship 's cook at 3:30 a.m. . The ordinary mess cooks are awakened at four o'clock , so that coffee can be prepared for the watch . Coffee is always served with hard-tack to the watch coming on deck at four . It is all the men get until breakfast at 7:30 , and a great deal of work must be accomplished before that time .