The large-scale movement of United States troops could not possibly be kept secret.
Within a week, word had reached Virginia, and some newspapers had even printed government recruitment notices.
To Napoleon, it was like someone laying their cards face-up while playing poker with him.
"Commander, the provisions collected from Orange, Waynesboro, and other places are enough to last two and a half months." Brasseur looked over the figures in his hand and said to Napoleon, "We also have quite a few mules and horses. It's just that although we emptied Charlottesville's ammunition depot, we still failed to obtain much additional Gunpowder.
"After the next large-scale battle, we may face an Ammunition shortage."
"That will be enough." Napoleon nodded indifferently, then waved the James News in his hand. "Send someone to spread the rumor that we are preparing to burn Norfolk Harbor in retaliation for Wayne's invasion of Louisiana."
Norfolk was Virginia's most important port. Backed by the natural harbor of Chesapeake Bay, it was a distribution hub for tobacco, Wheat, Cotton, and other goods in the southeastern United States.
If anything happened here, the United States would lose a third of its overseas trade.
Over the next ten-odd days, Napoleon led his army south with great fanfare, but in truth they advanced only three to five kilometers a day.
After arriving at Richmond, he deployed his cannon as though he intended to attack the city, only to lead his main force in a sharp turn northward.
After a full week of Forced March, Makar's cavalry finally returned with a report: the main force of the American forces had been spotted south of Woodbridge.
The last message received by American commander General Morgan had said that the French Army was bombarding Richmond. He immediately urged his soldiers onward at all costs,