The consolidation of Rhode Island was perfected when, in 1658, Massachusetts released her claims to jurisdiction there.[30] Liberty of conscience as asserted by Roger Williams did not involve the abrogation of civil restraint, and when one William Harris disturbed the peace in 1656, by asserting this doctrine in a pamphlet,[31] Williams, then governor, had a warrant issued for his apprehension.

When, in 1658, Williams retired to private life the possibility of founding a state in which "religious freedom and civil order could stand together" was fully proved to the world.[32] Besides the Indian power, as many as six independent jurisdictions existed originally in the present state of Connecticut.

(1) The Dutch fort of "Good Hope," established in 1633, on the Connecticut River, had jurisdiction over a small area of country.

(2) The Plymouth colony owned some territory on the Connecticut River and built a fort there soon after the Dutch came.

(3) Next was the jurisdiction of Fort Saybrook, the sole evidence of possession on the part of the holders of a patent from the earl of Warwick, president of the Council for New England, who claimed to own the whole of Connecticut.