Charles J. P. Cresap facts for kids

Charles James Pindall Cresap was a lawyer and politician from Virginia. He also served as an officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.

Life and Family

Charles James Pindall Cresap was born to Gus and Rhuhama Cresap. He had two siblings: a sister named Mariah and a brother named Robert. Sadly, his brother Robert died while serving as a soldier in the Confederate Army during the Battle of Moorefield.

Career and Service

Charles Cresap became a lawyer in 1857. He was admitted to the bar association, which meant he was officially allowed to practice law.

Military Service in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Charles Cresap chose to support the Confederacy. His loyalty was mainly to his home state, Virginia, rather than being against the United States.

He had previously been a second lieutenant in the Provisional Army of Virginia. On April 1, 1862, Cresap joined the Confederate States Army at Camp Allegheny. He was assigned to the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment.

Cresap was promoted to sergeant by January 1, 1863. He later asked to leave the army, and his request was approved on August 4, 1863.

However, Cresap wanted to continue serving. On November 20, 1863, he asked the Confederate Army for permission to become a captain. He also wanted to gather his own company of soldiers, either infantry (foot soldiers) or cavalry (soldiers on horseback), in northwest Virginia. This permission was given just ten days later.