I am trying to recall a quote by a British general regarding the beginning of the Revolutionary war. The quote went something to the effect of "Let them try to oppose us with their unorganized militia and poor weaponry"-referring to the colonial militia. The phrasing and wordage were probably different as it has been many years since I last heard the line. Any clues would be greatly appreciated.
Does this:
"Vigorous measures at present would soon put an end to this rebellion. The deluded people are made to believe that they are invincible.... When this army is ordered to act against them, they will soon be convinced that they are very insignificant when opposed to regular troops."
... look like the quote you're after? Seems to capture the same sentiment, though the wording is very different.
For context: that's Maj. Thomas Pitcairn, the Royal Marines commander in Boston, writing to the Earl of Sandwich at the Admiralty on 14 February 1775 (ie. two months prior to Lexington and Concord, and a week after Parliament declared Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion.
Source: The War for American Independence by Samuel B. Griffith. See also Wikiquote.