three in the morning
The staff and couriers quickly assembled , the servants were grouped in the starlight , the horses beneath the boughs turned their intelligent heads -- and leading in the uproarious chorus might have been heard the sonorous and laughing voice of Stuart . The festivities were kept up until nearly midnight . Then Stuart yawned ; said with a laugh , `` Good morning , gentle - _ men _ '' as was his habit when he wished to work ; and the tent was soon deserted . I retired to rest , but at three in the morning felt a hand upon my shoulder . `` The general is going to move , colonel , and wishes to see you , '' said the orderly . I rose , made my brief toilet , and went toward Stuart 's tent where a light was shining . He was writing busily at his desk , as fresh and gay as on the preceding evening .