midnight
All went well , for the wretched inns were not exorbitant , until they reached Hartford . They arrived late in the afternoon , weary and ravenous . After a bath and a glimpse of luxurious beds , they marched to the dining room and sat down to a sumptuous repast , whose like had greeted neither nostril nor palate for many a day . The wines were mellow , the tobacco green , the conversation gay until midnight . Hamilton sang `` The Drum , '' and many another song rang among the rafters . Washington retired first , bidding the youngsters enjoy themselves . The young men arose at their accustomed hour next morning , with appetites renewed , but waited in vain for their Chief .