 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 . 
