midnight
And here their fortunes changed . For here it proved that the `` cops '' on that beat , finding nights growing somewhat cold , and that there was no provision made by the police commissioners for a club - room for gentlemen of their profession , had themselves arranged in the polling-booth a convenient place for the reading of the evening newspapers and for conference on their mutual affairs . These `` cops '' were unmarried men , and did not much know where was the home in which the governor requested them to spend their Thanksgiving . They had therefore determined to spread their own table in their club-room , and this evening had been making preparations for a picnic feast there at midnight on Thanksgiving Day , when they should be relieved from their more pressing duties . They also had found the liberality of each member of the force had brought in more than would be requisite , and were considering the same subject which had oppressed the consciences of the leaders of the other bands . No one ever knew who made the great suggestion , but it is probable that it was one of these officials , well acquainted with the charter of the city of Boston and with its constitution and by-laws , who offered the proposal which was adopted . In the jealousy of the fierce democracy of Boston in the year 1820 , when the present city charter was made , it reserved for itself permission to open Faneuil Hall at any time for a public meeting .