Fendall's services were rewarded by a grant of two thousand acres (8 km²) of land and by appointment, July 10, 1656, as governor from Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, 1st Lord Proprietary. Before he could take any effective steps toward the organization of his government however, he was arrested by the Puritans on August 15, and held to answer to the charge of being ""Dangerous to the public peace"". He was remanded to prison until the affairs of the Province could be settled by Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658). However, Fendall became weary of his confinement and was released, September 24, upon taking an oath that he would not interfere with the government.