three o'clock
And when the word `` forward ! '' rings along the dark column , and the long and silent ranks bend and move on as with an electric impulse , there is a thrill in every vein , and each heart contracts for an instant , as if the black portals of a terrible destiny were open in the van . A half hour of silent hurry and activity passed away , and at last the whole army was in motion . It was now three o'clock ; the moon shone down upon the serried ranks , gleaming from bayonet and cannon , and stretching long black shadows athwart the road . From time to time along the column could be heard the ringing voice of some commander , as he galloped to the van , cheering his men with some well-timed allusion , or dispelling the surrounding gloom with a cheerful promise of victory . Where the wood road branched from the Warrentown turnpike , Gen. McDowell , standing in his open carriage , looked down upon the passing columns , and raised his hat , when the excited soldiers cheered as they hurried on . Here Hunter 's column turned to the right , while the main body moved straight on to the centre .