Jerks in History

[BettyO]

Quote:This was an era when soldiers were flogged for military disciplinary infractions. Tied to a post and whipped. (The practice was banned in 1862, but depending on the CO's willingness to take a gamble and get his own discipline for allowing it, it continued on a smaller scale). Soldiers were branded with a hot iron for violations of the military code of conduct. "T" for theft, "C" for cowardice and "D" for deserter. The brand was usually placed on the forehead, cheek or hip. Certainly extreme by our standards today, but not in the 1860's.

Likewise, the practice of "Hooding" as punishment was prevalent in the US (as well as British) Navy in the 19th Century.... hence, some say the practice of hooding the conspirators - whether or not Powell attempted suicide or the hooding was utilized as a means of silencing the prisoners.