eight o'clock
By this time the party for the day 's excursion had begun to arrive . The ladies and gentlemen were friends of Mr. Sherwood , and he and his wife and Miss Fanny were to join them . A small band had been provided for the occasion , consisting of six pieces . Precisely at eight o'clock the _ Woodville _ left the wharf , amid the inspiring strains of the `` Star-spangled Banner , '' performed by the band . The scene was in the highest degree exhilarating ; and the little captain was the happiest person on board , where all was merriment and rejoicing . The boat was to go down the lake as far as Isle La Motte , where the party would spend a couple of hours on shore , and return by six o'clock in the afternoon . This program was carried out to the letter , without any accident , or any nearer approach to one than a thunder-shower and squall .