midnight
Amid such a spirit the Brighton boys reached the cantonment and after a hasty roll-call sat down to what they one and all pronounced a `` fine feed . '' They rested for several hours and then were again ordered to fall in . The march was begun to the docks , where three steamers to be used as transports were being loaded with provisions and ammunition . Together with other American troops which had been awaiting their arrival , they went aboard the transports , but it was not till long after midnight that they were under way . Not a light was permitted on board . Not even the officers were allowed to strike a match or to smoke . No unnecessary noises were permitted , and the whole proceeding spoke of the secrecy of war work and the danger of revealing their plans or their whereabouts to any prowling enemy .