 Cresap fled from Virginia either because of the Native American raids against white settlers in 1722, or because a dozen or more fellow settlers drove him as he cleared timber to make a dwelling and secure his land claim.As Cresap defended himself, he cleft one of his assailants with a broad-ax.Upon returning to Maryland, Cresap secured a patent to operate a ferry over the Susquehanna at the head of tide-water from Lord Baltimore.