In Connecticut a spy was reporting to the staff. He was a Captain of Artillery, and he had spent seventy-two hours behind the enemy’s lines.
“They have completed their disembarkation and organization,” he said. “There are at least 150,000 men, as was calculated. They are magnificently organized, with reserves of everything. They have an enormous supply of artillery—at least ten guns to every thousand infantry and cavalry. Their machine gun companies also are extraordinarily large.”[80]
“And what is their disposition?”
“They were still moving men around to our front,” answered the spy. “I should say, General, that you now have, or will have before the end of the day, approximately one hundred thousand men facing you.”
“And the others?”
“Everything indicates that they are planning to move against Boston, while the larger force attacks us, sir. Country people told me that they are holding Taunton now with a strong force. They were moving men through Pawtucket this morning on the Providence railroad line for Boston.”
“Did you see any movement that might menace Worcester immediately?”
“They have already repaired the railroad from Providence to Woonsocket.”
“Then it’s time for us to get out of this. Gentlemen, you all know what to do. Issue your orders at once.”
The Retreat of the American Army