The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-18


There was some time ago a little ripple on the
surface. Of the waters, created by some one whom
people called philanthropist. He said hogging in
the navy was unnecessary and barbarous. Some
one else said he knew nothing about il; that the
kind Of men they had to deal with in the navy rem
dered il necessary But the former person an
swered-"O of course the right kind of men will
not place themselves at your mercy while such
laws exist or il they do, your whipping degrades
and demoralizes them.''
The ripple is widening, yet the little waves come
out with increasing energy Whether this means
of discipline is to be abandoned or not we cannot
tell it is for practical and experienced men 10 de-
termine. Much is said ON both sides Of the ques-
ton. We suppose Herman Melville had his pur-
pose in writing the following sketch, which is
graphic and thrilling enough to interest the reader
FLoaGING IN THE NAVY" Now, men," he
added, " you all admit the charge, you know the
penalty. Strip! Quartermasters, are the gratings
rugged = !, :. .o,,,r ). 49,. !, ,.a ~,
work, sometimes placed over the hatchways One
Of these squares was now laid on the deck close to
the ships bulwarks, and while the remaining
preparations were being made, the master at arms
assisted the prisoners in removing their jackets and
shirts. This done, their shirts loosely thrown
over their shoulders
At sign from the captain, John, with a shame
less lecr, advanced and stood passively upon the
grating, while the bare headed old quartermaster,
with grey hair streaming in the wind, bound his
feet to the cross bars, and stretching out his
over his head, secured them TO the hammock net
tings above. He then reiterated little space stand
ing silent.
Meanwhile the boatswain stood solemnly on the
other side with green bag in his hand, from which
to each of his mates for fresh scat" applied
by fresh hand, is the ceremonious privilege
corded to every man of-war culprit
At another sign from the captain, the master at
arms, stepping up, removed the shirt from the pri
soner. At this juncture wave broke against the
ships side, and dashed the spray his exposed
back. But though the air was piercing cold, and
the water drenched him, John stood still without
shudder.
The captains finger now lifted, and the first
boatswain's mate advanced combng out the nine
tails of his cat with his left hand and then sweep
ing them round his neck, brought them with the
whole force of his body upon the mark. Again,
and again, and again; and, at every blow, higher
and higher rose the long purple bars the prison
er's back. But he only bowed over his head and
stood still. Meantime, some of the crew whispered
| among themselves applause of their shipmate's
nerve; but the greater part were breathlessy silent
as the keen scourge Kissed through the wintry air
and fell with cutting, wiry sound, upon the mark.
One dozen lashes being applied the man was taken
down, and went among the crew with smile, say
ing, On me! it's nothing when you're used to
it, Who wants to fght?"
The next was Antoine, the Portuguese. Ate every
blow he surged from side to side, pouring out tor
rent of involuntary blasphemies. Never before had
he been heard to curse. When cut down he went
among the men, swearing to have the life of the
captain. OF this was unheard by the off,
GERS.
Mark, the third prisoner, only cringed and
coughed under his punishment. He had some pull
monary complaint. He was off duty for several
days after the logging; but this was partly to be
imputed to his extreme mental misery. 1t was his
first scourging and he felt the insult more than the
injury He became silent and suen for the rest of
the cruise.
The fourth and last was Peter, the mzen-t top
lad. He had often boasted that he had never been
degraded at the gangway. The day before, his
cheek had worn its usual red, but now no ghost
was whittier. AS he was being secured to the graf
ings and the shudderings and creepings Of his
dazzlingly white back were revealed, he turned
round his head imploringly but his weeping
treaties and vows of contrition were of no avail.
al would not forgive God Almighty!' cried the
captain. The fourth boatswain- mate advanced,
and at the first blow the boy, shouting my God
Oh my God % writhed and leaped 80 as to dis
place the gratings and scatter the nine tails Of the
| scourge all over his person. At the next blow he
howled, leaped, and ragged in uncomfortable torture
"What are you stopping for, boatswain's mate?'
| cried the captain clay on 20 and the whole dozen
were applied.
al don't care what happens 10 me now!' wept
Peter, going among the crew with blood shot eyes,
as he put on his shirt. al have been fogged once,
and they may do it again if they will. Let them
mt for M w