requisition has been made to this court for a reinforcement to the
continental army, in order that it may be able to act vigorously the
ensuing campaign, and the present situation of affairs requiring the utmost
exertions at this period, and affords the most flattering prospect of
putting an end to this distressing war, if the army is reinforced at this
juncture, and enabled to improve the great advantages offered." To carry
this resolve into effect, the Brigadier Generals through the State were
directed immediately on receipt of the resolve, to issue orders for calling
the companies together, and raising the men required from each town, by
voluntary enlistments, or by drafting them, on failure of a full number
being otherwise raised. Those thus drafted were to be fined if they refused
to march; but, a very generous bounty was granted, to induce men to enlist
voluntarily. The Selectmen were required to furnish the men with clothes
and traveling expenses; and both the Selectmen and Brigadier Generals were
liable to a heavy fine, if they neglected their duty. The patriotic efforts
of the Legislature, thus drawn into action, in consequence of the pressing
letter of Lafayette, and their own sense of the necessity of the case, were
every where met by a corresponding zeal on the part of the people of
Massachusetts; and the men were soon raised, and sent on to the
headquarters of the continental army, to fill the regular regiments of this
State, then in the service.

At the siege of York-Town, where Lord Cornwallis with a large British army
was attacked and taken by the Americans, Lafayette was particularly
distinguished for activity and courage. And a more minute account of this
affair is necessary, in recording the useful and brilliant services of this
youthful hero in the cause of America, which her sons wish most gratefully
to recollect.--General Washington in person commanded the American army on
this occasion, in pursuance of a plan he had adopted, as already mentioned.
He proceeded to the camp in the vicinity of York-Town, where Cornwallis was