midnight
Two divisions which had been left at Harper 's Ferry started at midnight just as Dick was looking at his watch and at dawn they were almost to the Potomac . On their flank was a cavalry brigade and A. P. Hill was hurrying with another of infantry . Messenger after messenger from them came to Lee that on the fateful day they with their fourteen thousand bayonets would be in line when they were needed most . Few of those who fought for the Lost Cause ever cherished anything more vividly than those hours between midnight and the next noon when they marched at the double quick across hill and valley and forest to the relief of their great commander . There was little need for the officers to urge them on , and at sunrise the rolling of the cannon was calling to them to come faster , always faster . Dick arose at the first flash of dawn . All the men of the Winchester regiment were on their feet .