![]() ![]() Occasional severity in the army is undoubtedly necessary for the sake of subordination, but that method should be adopted which, at the same time that it gives pain, is attended with least danger. The British Critic (London) of January 1794 published a review of The Duties of a Regimental Surgeon Considered: With Observations on His General Qualifications And Hints relative to a More Respectable Practice, and Better Regulation of that Department by Robert Hamilton this review contains the following: This was done sometimes with what is termed a cat, (an instrument of correction, which consists of a handle or stem, made of a rope three inches and a half in circumference, and about eighteen inches in length, at one end of which are fastened nine branches, or tails, composed of log line, with three or more knots upon each branch). On board one of the ships, was frequently beaten in a very severe manner, for very trifling faults. The British doctor and slavery abolitionist Alexander Falconbridge (circa 1760-1792) gave a precise description of the cat-o’-nine-tails (abbreviated to cat) in An Account of the Slave Trade on the Coast of Africa (London, 1788) he wrote that a young seaman But I tell you one thing, if you shou’d give such Language at Sea, you’d have a Cat o’ Nine-tails laid cross your Shoulders. I spoke you fair d’ee see, and civil.-As for your Love or your liking, I don’t value it of a Rope’s end -And may-hap I like you as little as you do me:-What I said was in Obedience to Father Gad I fear a Whipping no more than you do. Look you Young Woman, You may learn to give good words however. Ben, a young man “ half home-bred, and half-Sea-bred”, is speaking to Miss Prue, “ a silly, awkard, Country Girl”: The word is first recorded in Love for love (London, 1695), a comedy written by the English poet and playwright William Congreve (1670-1729) and first performed in 1695. This instrument of punishment was authorised in the British navy and army until 1881-cf. The noun cat-o’-nine-tails denotes a rope whip with nine knotted cords, formerly used, especially at sea, to flog offenders. Cat-o’-nine-tails (1866-79) – photograph: National Maritime Museum ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |