 In 1651 Arnold left Providence and Pawtuxet with his family , settling in Newport where he began his public service which would last continuously until his death . He quickly became a freeman , Commissioner , and Assistant , and in 1657 succeeded Roger Williams as president of the colony , serving for three years . In 1662 he was once again elected President , and during the second year of this term the Royal Charter of 1663 was delivered from England , naming him as the first governor of the colony , and offering broad freedoms and self @-@ determination to the colony . 
