And Alexander saw that the expedition would be successful.

Momently expecting the attack, he maintained his courage and semblance of cheerfulness, with despair in his heart.
His winter's work seemed annihilated, and it was probable that he should be obliged to raise the siege.

Nevertheless, he passed in person from rank to rank, from post to post, seeing that the wounded were provided for, encouraging those that remained unhurt, and endeavouring to infuse a portion of his own courage into the survivors of his panic-stricken army.
Nor was he entirely unsuccessful, as the night wore on and the expected assault was still delayed.

Without further loss of time, he employed his men to collect the drifting boats, timber, and spar-work, and to make a hasty and temporary restoration--in semblance at least--of the ruined portion of his bridge.

And thus he employed himself steadily all the night, although expecting every instant to hear the first broadside of the Zeeland cannon.