Trees in American History 



Andros governor-general of all the New England 

 colonies. The new governor-general soon de- 

 manded their charters. The people of Connecti- 

 cut refused. A copy of their charter was made 

 in June, 1687, but the original document was 

 carefully guarded and kept under lock and key 

 at Hartford. 



Since he was unable otherwise to secure that 

 which he had demanded, Andros finally decided 

 to go in person to Hartford and take the charter 

 in defiance of the people's wishes. 



A session of the Colonial Assembly was being 

 held at the time in the meeting-house. Andros, 

 with a company of soldiers at his beck, appeared 

 before them and commanded them to deliver the 

 charter into his hands. For some time the repre- 

 sentatives of the colony discussed the matter with 

 him. The meeting was purposely prolonged 

 until twilight, or as people then said "early 

 candle light." Candles were then lighted, and 

 the charter was brought out. It was placed on a 

 table in the center of the room. There Andros 

 saw it for the first and last time. 



As the governor put out his hand to seize the 

 precious document, all the candles in the meet- 



