From George Washington to Maryland Officer Commanding at Head of Elk, 30 December 1781
Philada 30t Decemr 1781.
Sir
I am informed by Joseph Gilpin Esq: a Justice of the Peace at the Head of Elk, that an inhabitant has been killed by a Soldier, and that the Coroners Inquest has returned it Murther—You will therefore immediately deliver the offender up to the Civil Authority; and I Shall depend upon your taking all possible pains to prevent any accident of the like kind in future. I am &c[.]
DLC: Papers of George Washington.