40 THE TREES OF AMERICA. 



Our drawing of the Charter Oak was taken from the front of the house of 

 the Hon. J. W. Stuart, who was the owner of the glorious old tree, and who 

 cherished it with that love and pride which its venerable character and historic 

 renown fully warranted. The author has to make acknowledgments to Mr. 

 Stuart and his interesting family, for their kind attentions during the time 

 he was engaged in drawing its portrait. Long may they live to enjoy their 

 beautiful seat, and to give their protection to the other noble sons of the forest 

 which stand near the spot where the giant fell. Th» Charter Oak was about 

 seventy feet high, and the same in spread of branches. The trunk was about 

 sixteen feet in diameter at the ground ; some thirty persons have been at one 

 time within its cavity. When the author saw it, it appeared as if it might endure 

 for many years ; but alas, it has now fallen. The historical facts connected with 

 this tree are known to all our people, but it will not be inappropriate to repeat 

 the leading incidents here. 



Rev. Thomas Hooker led the first settlers into Connecticut in the years 1635-6. 

 They made a settlement at Windsor, Hartford, and Weathersfield. From the 

 very commencement, the people chose their own rulers. On the 24th of Jan- 

 uary, 1639, the fathers of the State met at Hartford and framed a written con- 

 stitution. This is said to be the first example in history of a people establishing, 

 through representatives chosen by themselves, a constitution, defining and limit- 

 ing the powers of government. 



April 20, 1662, Charles II. granted a charter to the colony, confirming the 

 rights set forth in the constitution they themselves had previously formed. In 

 the language of Cotton Mather, this was " the freest charter under the cope of 

 heaven." 



James II., who succeeded Charles upon his death, in 1685, soon after his 

 accession to the throne, ordered Sir Edmond Andross to demand it, or obtain it 

 by force. The following extract from Judge Sewall's diary describes the manner 

 in which Sir Edtaond proceeded to obey the order. 



"Wednesday, October 26, 1687. His Excellency, with sundry of y° Council, 

 Justices, and other gentlemen, four blew coats, two trumpeters, Sam Bligh, fifteen 

 .or twenty red coats, with small guns and short lances in y° tops of y", set out 



