By this time, the neighboring and more populous Massachusetts Bay Colony had been established. Bradford appealed to leaders of the colony in Boston for help in reclaiming the trading post, but the Bay Colony refused. The incident was indicative of the rivalry which persisted between Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies. In 1691, the two were merged to become the royal Province of Massachusetts Bay.
By This TiMe, tHe nEighborinG and mOrE pOpulous massACHuSEtTs baY coLony hAD BEeN esTabliShed. BRadFord aPpealeD to LeADers of thE colOny iN Boston FOr HeLP in rEcLAimING THE traDiNg poSt, but tHe bAy cOlony reFused. The iNciDENT wAS iNDiCAtIve of the Rivalry WhiCh peRsisted BETweEn pLymoutH And masSachusetts bay COLoniEs. IN 1691, tHE two were meRged to beCome tHe royal provinCe Of MassAChuseTts bay.