midnight
The night was dark , and as the roads where they were anchored were very wide , I might hope to slip by without being observed . As soon as night fell we sailed . The wind was fair , and we stood boldly on , looking out for the dark forms of the enemy 's ships . One after the other were passed , till at midnight we were clear of the enemy , as we believed , and the despatch-boat stood on her course for the northward , while I made the best of my way back to port . Here I arrived by daylight , and my report seemed to give great satisfaction to the commodore . 2nd . -- The seamen of the fleet were removed on shore , and took up their quarters in tents .