Question

1. explain this sentence in your own words: \i cant think but it must have been a preconcerted scheme in them, to attack the kings troops the first favorable opportunity that offered, otherwise, i think they could not, in so short a time as from our marching out, have raised such a numerous body, and for so great a space of ground.\

Explanation:

The speaker believes that the others must have had a pre - arranged plan. They think that without this pre - concerted scheme, it would have been impossible for the others to attack the King's troops at the first favorable opportunity. Also, they consider it implausible that the others could have gathered such a large number of people and over such a wide area in the short time since the speaker's side started marching.

Answer:

The speaker is convinced that the others had a pre - planned conspiracy, as they find it hard to believe that the others could have attacked the King's troops so promptly and amassed a large force over a wide area in such a short time.