Even the oldest of you scurvy seagoing troublemakers can rest easy. The U.S. Navy outlawed the use of the dreaded cat o' nine tails 161 years ago yesterday. Consisting of a handle and nine knotted cords, this small whip was designed to inflict severe pain and break even the toughest sailors.
The U.S. Naval Academy museum notes, however, that although the flogging of enlisted sailors ended in 1850, the "cat" was used at the Academy until much later. Midshipmen at the Academy had the option of taking a few lashes instead of receiving a demerit, thus keeping their official records spotless.
Remember, you heard it here ... last.
Ron Carlson, Webmaster
Armed Guard / Merchant Marine website
www.armed-guard.com
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