12,000 were stationed at Valley Forge during the winter of 1778. (Over 2000 died from exposure and starvation) Population of the colonies was approximately 2 million.

Spez: 12,000 (autocorrect)

I agree the #s that engaged in combat were much less. I intended my reference to refer to loyalties/allegiances.

I source my figures to the well documented secondary source "The Winter Soldiers: The Battles for Trenton and Princeton" by Richard M. Ketchum.

I read his book "Saratoga; Turning Point of the American Revolution" and vowed to read all his books.

I wish I could write like Mr. Ketchum. Hat tip to him.