three o’clock
in the morning
Leaving the telegraph and railroad intact , so as to have the Federals remain in ignorance of what he had done and where he was , Morgan rejoined his command and set out for Lebanon , a ride of over forty miles . The place fell , almost without struggle . Dashing in at the head of his scouts , Calhoun took possession of the telegraph office . This was at three o'clock in the morning . Unsuspicious of danger the regular telegraph operator was at home asleep , and Ellsworth was once more installed at the instrument . It seemed that the day before Colonel Johnson , commanding the place , had telegraphed for reinforcements , saying he feared an attack . The first dispatch that Ellsworth received was : `` What news ?