The Tree That Saved Connecticut Part 7

But--but--you forced me to make that change in the order.

TREAT

I believe, Colonel, we merely pointed out that your order was inadequate; we did not force you to commit forgery.

BLIGH

Oh, this is a trick! This is a trick! I demand the immediate surrender of the government and the charter!

TREAT

What is the will of the a.s.sembly? Can we deliver up the government under an order which is obviously forged?

ALL

No, no! No indeed!

TREAT

The vote is against you, Colonel.

BLIGH

Andros will come himself and attend to this affair. I wash my hands of it! He'll make you pay for this day's work--and he'll get the charter!

Good day!

ALL

Good day!

ANNOUNCER

Andros did come, as Colonel Bligh had threatened, but not for several months. But when he came, he came in state, with a company of soldiers, two trumpeters, and Colonel Bligh. He intended this time to get the charter, and no mistake!

Governor Treat called the General Court to a.s.semble on the evening of October 31, 1687, to confer with Governor Andros and make one last determined stand to retain the charter even if there was no way to retain their rights under the charter.

Our next scene is at the State House in Hartford. It is evening. The s.e.xton is preparing the room for the meeting which is about to take place.

s.e.xTON [_to himself_]

Now these candles, where'd I best put 'em. I cal'ate mebbe I'd better scatter 'em around the room--

WADSWORTH [_coming in_]

Good even to you, Nathan.

s.e.xTON

Even, Captain Wadsworth. Even, Master Allyn.

ALLYN

Good even, Nathan.

WADSWORTH

These candles, Nathan.

s.e.xTON

Yes, sir! I was jest a puttin' 'em around where everybody'd git a little light.

WADSWORTH

I think perhaps you'd best put them all on the Governor's table.

s.e.xTON

The Governor's table. Yes, sir! So--one here--and one--

ALLYN

No, no, Nathan. Put them all together at this end of the table.

s.e.xTON

This end by the window?

ALLYN

I think that will be best, don't you, Captain?

WADSWORTH

Of course! The Governor needs a great deal of light.

s.e.xTON

But, sir, the draft from the window--it may blow them out.

ALLYN

Well, well, if it does, Nathan, we'll just have to light them all again.

s.e.xTON

Yes, sir! Of course, sir!