 While Arnold's usefulness had been in great demand for the welfare of the colony, his successful political career was mirrored by equally successful agricultural and mercantile pursuits. While living at Pawtuxet he became agent for arms, ammunition and liquors, and had an establishment on the Warwick side of the river offering Boston goods and provisions in demand at the time. In his book Simplicities Defense, Samuel Gorton complained that Arnold constantly traded with the Indians on the Sabbath day and was too liberal in providing them with powder. He further complained that Arnold would not sell items to the Warwick settlers unless they submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. The Warwick settlers also complained that he furnished the Indians with strong drink and wine, which was forbidden by the Warwick town council.
