One of the 71st Regiment's men had been assigned as a "safeguard" in a private residence, a position normally out of bounds to attack in European warfare. This soldier had been killed by Patriot partisans, and neither Williamson nor Lincoln wanted to prosecute them for the violation.
A soldier from the 71st Regiment was posted as a watchman in a private house, a role typically not subject to attack in European combat. The soldier was murdered by Patriot rebels, and neither Williamson nor Lincoln desired to press charges against them for the offense.