Governors of Connecticut 1639-

The State Constitution of 1965 transformed the Office of the Governor into a twentieth-century governmental chief executive officer, while retaining his function as commander-in-chief (captain general) of its militia that dates back to the colonial period. Elected for a term of four years, the Governor exercises powers common to chief executives: proposing legislation and reporting to the legislature; signing or vetoing bills; appointing or nominating commission and board members and higher judicial and executive branch officers; convening or adjourning the legislature during emergencies; and taking care "that the laws be faithfully executed," through budgetary powers and executive direction of state agencies under the office's jurisdiction.

Connecticut Historical Society: "Fitch was governor during the waning years of the French and Indian War, and many of his petitions and letters to the King and to the Lords of Trade relate to the expenses Connecticut incurred and his efforts to receive reimbursement. He also requested more arms to help protect New England's borders from the French and preserve the "rights and dominion" of Britain's North American colonies. Reports to the Lords of Trade and various secretaries to the King included the success of raising troops for an expedition against France in Canada, the colony's tax burdens, and the use of bounties and land grants to pay the soldiers. One document from the Earl of Egremont warned Fitch against disturbing the Shawnee and Delaware Indians by settling in the Susquehanna area. There were also references to Connecticut's Mohegan Case. Several accounts are among the papers, and a letter critical of Samson Occom is a unique and unusual find. Fitch was also noted for being the governor when Britain imposed the Stamp Tax. "