midnight
I propose that we should sally out in three columns . The central column , which will be composed of the marines and sailors of our ships , will make straight for the mouth of the mine and force its way in ; the other two columns will attack the enemy 's trenches on right and left . '' `` The plan seems to me to be a good one , '' the pasha said ; `` it shall be done as you propose . '' On the night of the 15th of April two columns of men were gathered at midnight in the street leading to the water-gate , a short distance to the right of the tower , the third column close to a gate some little distance to its left . Lieutenant Beatty was , with his party of marines , to join the landing force , but to their disappointment neither Condor nor the midshipmen were to take part in the sortie , as the little party of seamen were to be held in reserve . Sir Sidney Smith himself intended to take his place on the tower , whence he could watch the operations . Wilkinson and Edgar were to act as his aides-de-camp , the latter to carry messages to the Turkish officers commanding the two columns , while Wilkinson was to perform the same office to the central column .