What major point was Thomas Paine trying to make using the evidence in this passage?
A.
The British army was thoroughly unprepared to take on the American colonists.
B.
The Continental Army had a realistic chance of winning against the British.
C.
The Continental Army was not likely to defeat the British, but it could still compel the British to negotiate.
D.
It was necessary to remain vigilant against cowardly people who were willing to spread rumors of defeat.