The Tree That Saved Connecticut Part 3

Where is your Governor?

TREAT

Here!

ANDROS

Well, Governor, I'll have you know that I have come here in the legal performance of my duties to take command of land legally and lawfully a part of the possessions of His Grace, the Duke of York.

TREAT

I have already informed you, sir, that you shall not have it!

ANDROS

Is this rebellion?

TREAT

It is not, I a.s.sure you. But we will hold this land which is ours by right of grant from His Majesty, Charles the Second.

ANDROS

My commission as Governor of this territory comes directly from His Grace, the Duke of York.

TREAT

His Grace has no jurisdiction here.

ANDROS

Here, sir, are my orders. [_rattle of paper_]

TREAT

And here, sir, is a true copy of our charter. [_rattle of paper_]

ANDROS

My orders supersede your charter.

TREAT

Our charter is a royal grant, and cannot be superseded except for cause by due process of law.

ANDROS

I shall take possession under my orders. You can appeal to the Privy Council for redress.

TREAT

You can take possession only after every man in this fort is dead!

ANDROS

Do you still insist on this ridiculous show of force?

TREAT

I do! If you make a move to land your troops, we will open fire!

ANDROS

Very well. I shall report to His Grace that I was prevented from obeying his command by an unwarranted and illegal show of force!

TREAT

And we shall report to His Majesty that we defended our rights under our royal charter.

ANDROS

Confound your charter! I'll see to it that you lose it! Good day, sir.

TREAT

Good day!

ANNOUNCER

So Governor Andros took his departure without gaining possession of the territory he claimed. For the next ten years Connecticut continued in undisputed possession of her charter, and then on December 19, 1686, Andros was appointed Governor of all New England. News of this appointment reached Connecticut several months later.

Our next scene is at the State House in Hartford. It is June of 1687.

The General Court of the Connecticut Colony is in session. As our scene opens, Governor Treat is addressing the a.s.sembly.

TREAT

Gentlemen! I have called you here to consider a matter of grave importance to the life of this colony. As you know, His Majesty has seen fit to deprive us of our rights under our charter and has appointed a Governor who is to have supreme power over this colony and all of New England.

WADSWORTH

Your Excellency--

TREAT

Yes, Captain Wadsworth?

WADSWORTH