ABSTRACT

For centuries flogging held to be the most efficient means of enforcing discipline—The terrors of “running the gauntlet”—Flogging in the British Army—The fearful cat-o’-nine-tails—Remarks of Sir Charles Napier—Instructions in whipping — Dangerous consequences of flogging with the “cat”—Many cases of deaths following whippings—Somerville’s account of a “whipping” with the “cat”—Flogging in the Navy—Description of a flogging at sea—Decline in the administration of corporal punishment.