four in the morning
The consequence of this to us was most disastrous , for they would now rake the whole of our lines . Still we persevered and returned , though it must be owned but feebly , the vigorous fire they kept up on us . 16th . -- At half-past four in the morning , Lord Cornwallis directed a sortie to be made in order to destroy or to spike the guns in one of the enemy 's batteries which was causing us most annoyance . The party consisted of about a hundred and fifty men from the guards , the light infantry and the 80th regiment . Never have I seen a more spirited or dashing affair . Away they went , nor stopped till they had surmounted the enemy 's works , which were found to be occupied by French troops , upwards of a hundred of whom were bayoneted .