CHARTER OAK, a famous tree that stood in Hartford, Conn., until blown down by a storm, in Aug., 1856. Its name was given because when sir Edmund Andros, gov ernor of New England and New York, came to Hartford in 1687, by the order of James II., to demand the colonial charter, that document was hidden in a hollow of the tree by rapt. James Wadsworth, and thus preserved. Though some writers have cast doubt on this interesting tradition, it is generally accepted by historians.
(Fr. chartre-partie, so called from such documents being at one time divided—in Fr. parti—and one half given to each party concerned), the title given to a contract in which the owner, or master of a ship, with consent of the owner, lets the vessel, or a portion of her, to a second party, for the conveyance of goods from one port to another port; hence the vessel is said to be chartered. The document must be stamped.
It must specify the voyage to be performed, and the terms on which the cargo is to be carried. On the part of the ship, it is covenanted that she shall be seaworthy; well found in rigging, furniture, and provisions; and that the crew be suitable in number and competency; that she shall be ready to receive the cargo on a given day, wait its complete delivery for a certain period; and sail for the stipulated port when laden, if the weather for the time permits. The freighter's portion of the contract obliges him to load and unload at suitable periods, under specified penalties, and to pay the freight as agreed on. The master must not take on board any contraband goods. or otherwise render the vessel liable to seizure. The owner is not responsible for losses caused by war, fire, or shipwreck, unless arising from negligence of the master or crew.