about noon
Colonel Ross did not conceal the information he had received . `` We must hold out , as before , as long as our ammunition lasts ; and that failing , we must place the ladies and wounded in our midst , and cut our way through the foe . '' All swore to fight as long as they had arms to wield their swords . Two days passed away , when about noon , as the hot air quivered over the plain , the blue and red uniforms of the enemy 's cavalry appeared in sight . They approached , a vast horde thronging up in the distance . Column after column of infantry appeared following the cavalry , with numerous pieces of artillery . The rebels were evidently intent on the utter destruction of the fort .