It would be impossible he thought to bring on a partial action, without risking its being made general, should such be the choice of the enemy, since the detachment which might engage must be supported, or be cut to pieces.

A general action ought not to be fought unless the advantage was manifestly with the American army.

This at present was not the case.

He attributed so much to the superior discipline of the enemy as to be of opinion that the issue of the engagement would be, almost certainly, unfavourable.
General Du Portail, a French officer of considerable reputation, maintained the same opinions; and the Baron de Steuben concurred in them.

The American officers seem to have been influenced by the councils of the Europeans; and, of seventeen generals, only Wayne and Cadwallader were decidedly in favour of attacking the enemy.