Oh, the commander might try something devious, but he wouldn't just give in.
A few shrewd commanders recognized the problem and tried to deal with it.
Looks like their commanders are trying to figure out what's up.
The commander can then try to defeat the enemy in detail.
What little ammunition was available the commanders tried to preserve for a real battle.
The senior commanders try to make sure that they are seen as friendly to those who appear to have power.
"And my answer is that I believe the commander in chief must try all diplomatic measures before we commit our military."
No one can predict what will happen in war, yet a commander must try.
The commander was carefully trying not to let his frustration and impatience show.
The commanders were trying hard not to believe in what they saw.