The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1876-06-09
UNDER THE LASH.
4 Gala Day at Newcastle, Del.

WILMINGTON, Del, May 21.-On satur-
day the ponderous iron gates of Newcastle
jail, in this State, were thrown open at 10
O'Clock in the morning, and a motley gath
ering of men, women and children, black
ana white, crowded in to witness the de-
grading punishment of lashing upon the
bare back that eleven thieves were to re-
ceiYe in accordance with sentences of the
court. 1t is feature particularly charac-
teristic of these exhibitions that the audi,
ence is made up of the coarsest phases of
life in Newcastle and the surrounding
country, who appear to take savage de-
light In the writings Of the human body
as they are tortured bp the descending lash
as it strikes the flesh with an unnatural
sound. Coarse jests and unfeeling remarks
are indulged In, and it is made with many
of the farmers holiday occasion, whole
families arriving in wagons to witness the
performance. When the gates were thrown
| open on Saturday the first sight that met
the eye was that of two white men, Enoch
Rash and James Brady, who had been
guilty of breaking into store, standing in
the pillory, where they remained one hour
each, and were taken down greatly stiffsn-
ed from this punishment. Robert Harris,
negro, was next put into the pillory, where
he remained for the space Of one hour. His
offense was assault and battery with intent
| to kill. During this time the crowd had
greatly thinned out, but when the an
nouncement was made that the whipping
would begin they gathered within the yard
again. Enoch Rash was the name first
called out by the sheriff, and he came, a
tall, muscular white man, led by deputy.
He was barred to the waist, and apparent
| " still suffering from the effects Of his con-
finement in the pillory, stood bravely up to
the post while his hands were fastened in
the iron clamps. The Sheriff, armed with
CATO nine-tails, asked if all was ready
and commenced to rain on the blows, thirty
in number, which were counted by depu-
ty as they fell. The quivering flesh red
dened at first, and finally the blood found
it's way to the surface, while the prisoner
writhed in his agony and his face was the
very picture of suffering and despair. He
was taken back to his cell, stiff and sore.
James Brady, who was the accomplice of
Rash in the crime, was also hit thirty LASH
es by the sheriff, but bore it with a great
deal more fortitude than the other, and
notwithstanding the blows fell thick and
fast not muscle Of his face changed and in
no way gave evidence of the intense pain he
must have suffered. James Darah had sto-
len pocket-book containing SO, and for
this stood up to the whipping post in very
defiant manner to receive twenty lashes,
which were put on with heavy strokes.
Charles Harrison, q negro, for larceny, re-
ceived ten lashes without murmer. Thos.
Hyde was whipped with twenty lashes for
stealing lot Of old clothing. Isaac Hoy
deB, fine specimen of manly form, had
taken beefsteak and small lot of scrap
pei from farmers wagon, and for this re-
ceived twenty lashes with intense suffering.
The prisoner twisted and almost fell upon
his launches in his cndeavors to escape the
blows. Ills back was terribly SCARED, and
he went back to his cell in great agony.
Thomas Davis, for robbery, was given
twenty lashes that burst the flesh, and
Samuel Bush was given the same number
for participation in the theft. William L.
Cooper, negro, had stolen buffalo robe
and received twenty lashes, and David
Reed, negro, for larceny, also received
twenty lashes. In addition to the whip
ping each of them has to undergo term of
imprisonment, pay restitution money and
wear convict's jacket for six months after
their release.-Phil Times. e