 From 1675 to 1676 , King Philip 's War , " the most disastrous conflict to ever devastate New England , " left the mainland towns of Rhode Island in ruins . This confrontation between many indigenous people and the English settlers was named for Metacomet , sachem of the Wampanoags , who was also called King Philip . Though much more at peace with the Indians than the other colonies , because of geography , the Rhode Island colony took the brunt of damage from this conflict , and the settlements of Warwick and Pawtuxet were totally destroyed , with much of Providence destroyed as well . Several of Arnold 's relatives who lived in these areas fled to Long Island , and his aged father had been moved from Pawtuxet to his brother 's garrison house , but nevertheless did not survive the conflict . In April 1676 it was voted by the Assembly " that in these troublesome times and straits in this Colony , this Assembly desiring to have the advice and concurrence of the most judicious inhabitants , if it may be had for the good of the whole , do desire at their next sitting the company and counsel of Mr. Benedict Arnold ... " and 15 others . Quakers were noted for their pacifism , and the Quaker governor , Walter Clarke , was in office during the conflict . Even though the war had ended , in the election of 1677 the so @-@ called " war party " was successful , and Arnold was voted back into office as governor . 
