seven o'clock
It is our wisdom , as well as duty to submit patiently to whatever may befall us , never losing our courage or becoming disheartened by suffering , but trusting to the mercy and power of Him who can and will , at His own good time , deliver us from evil . '' Mr. Campbell kneeled down , surrounded by his family , and , in a fervent and feeling address poured forth his thanksgiving for past mercies and humble solicitation for further assistance . So powerful and so eloquent were his words , that the tears coursed down the cheeks of his wife and nieces ; and when he had finished , all their hearts were so full , that they retired to their beds without further exchange of words than receiving his blessing , and wishing each other good-night . The party were so refreshed by once more sleeping upon good beds , that they were up and dressed very early , and shortly after seven o'clock were all collected upon the rampart of the fort , surveying the landscape , which was indeed very picturesque and beautiful . Before them , to their left , the lake was spread , an inland sea , lost in the horizon , now quite calm , and near to the shores studded with small islands covered with verdant foliage , and appearing as if they floated upon the transparent water . To the westward , and in front of them , were the clearings belonging to the fort , backed with the distant woods : a herd of cattle were grazing on a portion of the cleared land ; the other was divided off by a snake fence , as it is termed , and was under cultivation . Here and there a log-building was raised as a shelter for the animals during the winter , and at half a mile 's distance was a small fort , surrounded with high palisades , intended as a place of retreat and security for those who might be in charge of the cattle , in case of danger or surprise .