Maryland contended that its charter entitled it to all of the land up to 40 degrees latitude, a claim that included Philadelphia.  Around 1730, Lord Baltimore granted Thomas Cresap a land patent to operate a ferry service across the Susquehanna in the Conejohela Valley that fell within its claim.  Cresap was soon joined by other settlers holding Maryland land patents and emerged as their leader.  Skirmishes with Lancaster County authorities followed over the next several years, and two people were killed.  Although a full-fledged conflict between the colonies was avoided, Cresap’s house was burned and he was hauled off to prison in Philadelphia.  Upon reaching the city, Cresap defiantly exclaimed, “This is one of the prettiest towns in Maryland!”