SOLDIERS FLOGGED.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 357, 26 March 1861, Page 3

SOLDIERS FLOGGED.

The first instance of coporeal punishment that took place in the 65th Regt. for many years, occurred in the camp on Tuesday the 12th instant. Two very young Boldiers being tried by a court martial for having 'been "drunk while on active service before the enemy," were awarded punishment of $0 lashes each, A parade was assembled

at hall-past six in the morning, when Colonel Wyatt feelingly addressed the regiment, expressing his great reluctance in having such a rigorous and degrading punishment carried out, and his sorrow to think that any man would subject himself toitby a gross breach of discipline. He told the men that he did not wish to govern by the lash, on the contrary he hated the lash, and would far rather work upon their hearts. He pointed out the evils that attend drunkenness at all times, but especially the general risk it involved in the camp in war time, before an enemy ever on the watch to profit by any looseness or want of vigilance on the part of the troops sent to subdue them. The necessity pained hi.n, but an example must be made to prevent a recurrence of such offences. The punishment was accordingly inflicted, and the two men sent to the hospital for medical treatment. Yesterday (Wednesday) the Colonel having a similar duty to perform, after showing an example of severity gave also one of leniency by releasing two other young soldiers who were awaiting trial for a simi ar offence; and again reminded the regiment that it rested with themselves to be.governed By kindness and lenity or by severity, and exhorted them pathetically to the better course. I scarce need say that the men, when dismissed were loud in their admiration of their commanding officer. (From the News.)