midnight
`` And we 'll strike before then , '' said Henry . `` They wo n't be suspecting such a movement by us , for one reason , because a river is between . '' `` That 's so , '' said Sol , `` an ' they 've been doin ' so much attackin ' themselves that they wo n't think about our takin ' the job from 'em . '' They returned with their news , and at midnight the white army started forth on its great but hazardous attempt . The night was fairly clear , with a good moon and many stars , and the departure from the fort was in silence , save for the sobbing of the women and children over those whom they might never see again . It was a formidable little army that issued from the southern gate of the fort , the one away from the river , perhaps the strongest that had yet been gathered in the west , and composed of many diverse elements , the Kentuckians who had been Kentuckians only a year or two , the wild hunters of Boone and Kenton , the rivermen , a few New Englanders , French and Spanish creoles , and men from different parts of Europe . It was a picturesque group without much semblance of military discipline , but with great skill , courage , and willingness in forest warfare .