nvestigation of an
offence, and the infliction of the punishment which it may be thought
to deserve. The interval in question, to be of use, should take its
date from the time the circumstances of the case have been inquired
into by the captain himself. The reason of this limitation will be
apparent, if it be recollected that the moment at which the officer's
anger is likely to be the greatest, is when he first becomes
acquainted with the details of the offender's misconduct.

In order still further to circumscribe the chances of passion
interfering with the judgment, not only of the captain, but of the
officer who makes the complaint, as well as the witnesses and other
parties concerned, I think it should be directed, that all offences
whatsoever are to be inquired into between nine o'clock in the morning
and noon. This is perhaps the only period in the whole day perfectly
free from suspicion as to the influence of those exciting causes which
tend materially to warp the judgment, even of the wisest and best men.
The ship's company take their dinner and grog at mid-day, and the
officers dine soon after. To those who have witnessed in old times the
investigation and punishment of offences immediately after the cabin
dinner, the importance of this regulation will require no further
argument. At any other period of the day, except that above specified,
the irritation caused by fatigue, hunger, or repletion, is so apt to
interfere with the temper, and consequently with the judgment, that it
should never be chosen for so delicate an affair as an inquiry into
details which may be followed by so dreadful a consequence as corporal
punishment.

It is undoubtedly true, that the essential characteristics of naval
discipline are, and ought to be, promptitude of action, and that
vigorous kind of decision which leads to certainty of purpose at all
times, and under all circumstances. But these very qualities are
valueless, unless they are regulated by justice. Without this, a
man-of-war would very soon become worse than useless to the country,
besides being what a "slack ship" has been emphatically termed, "a
perfect hell afloat!"

Independently of every other consideration, it is assuredly most
desirable to establish throughout the fleet the conviction, that,
although the punishment of flogging, which has prevailed for so long a
time, cannot possibly be discontinued, it shall be exercised with a
due regard to the offence, and wit