The Pawtuxet settlers put themselves under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1642 because their leader, William Arnold, felt great contempt towards the settlements and leaders of both Providence and Warwick.
In 1642, the residents of Pawtuxet voluntarily submitted to the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, following the sentiments of their leader William Arnold, who held a deep-seated dislike for the communities of Providence and Warwick.