I have no estimate from the other side; but Becker admits they were not strong enough to keep the field in the open.
The political significance of Mulinuu was great, but in a military sense the position had defects.

If it was difficult to carry, it was easy to blockade: and to be hemmed in on that narrow finger of land were an inglorious posture for the monarch of Samoa.

The peninsula, besides, was scant of food and destitute of water.

Pressed by these considerations, Brandeis extended his lines till he had occupied the whole foreshore of Apia bay and the opposite point, Matautu.

His men were thus drawn out along some three nautical miles of irregular beach, everywhere with their backs to the sea, and without means of communication or mutual support except by water.