They were all going to be sacrificed.

The generals were stupids.

The enemy would presently swallow the whole command.

He glared about him, expecting to see the stealthy approach of his death.
He thought that he must break from the ranks and harangue his comrades.
They must not all be killed like pigs; and he was sure it would come to pass unless they were informed of these dangers.

The generals were idiots to send them marching into a regular pen.