The Hon. William A. Graham
Secretary of the Navy
Washington, D.C.

Sir,

In obedience to your order of 5 time last, I beg have to make the following report, as containing my view in regard to the effect produced on the Naval Service, by the abolishment of punishment.

To the 1st question propounded in your communication, I answer, that not being in the vicinity of recruiting stations, I cannot state with certainty what has been th effect on the recruiting service, but judging from the difficulty of obtaining men, and those obtained being of a very inferior class, I am induced to believe that the abolishment of flogging in the Navy has had an injurious effect on the recruiting service.

To the 2nd question, I answer, that the effect upon the discipline and subordination of the Ship's company, has been, in my opinion, of the most injurious character; so much so, as to destroy everything like proper discipline, for it has sometimes occurred on board this ship, that men have refused to perform duty on the most frivolous pretenses.

To the 3rd question, I answer [part is missing] formerly, and that the orders from officers are less promptly obeyed.

To the 4th question, I answer, that I know of no effectual means (under existing laws and regulation of the Navy) by which the badly disposed person on board ship, can be restrained.

And to the 5th, and last, question propounded, I declare that the vessels of the Navy, so far as come within my observation, are far less efficient than before the abolishment of flogging.

I have thus given my candid opinion as to effect the abolishment of punishment has had on the discipline and efficiency of the Navy, but will state that I know of no officer who would not gladly see it abolished, provided some law was passed to insure discipline and prompt obedience to all lawful orders. I earnestly hope that Congress may be induced to pass such a law at the next Sessions.

A law authorizing men to be confined on bread and water, stoppage of pay, &c., by what is called [...] head, or other Convt. Martial, might, and I believe would, have a good effect; but, in all cases, punishment should follow crime as soon as possible [part missing] of them for want of proper conduct and obedience to order but it is the land & men[...], and dissolute you[...] [...] who are picked up in an large city, that create most of the difficulty which occur on board our Ships of war, many of whom, no doubt, having been inmates of State prisons and penitentiaries[...].

Whilst on this subject, I will state to the Department that the late law forbidding the commutation of rations has given much dissatisfaction among the crews of our vessels.

Formerly, each mess was allowed to stop one or two rations for which they were paid in money, and thereby obtained fruits, vegetables &c. to carry to sea, which not only added to their comforts, but essentially to their health. Besides, in a time of war, or a big[...] cruiser[...], this law could not be carried out, for it might happen that the whole ship's company might be put on a short allowance from necessity.

I feel convinced that department, after looking into this matter will be induced to recommend to Congress, the repeat of the law alluded to
 

                                                                                    I have the honor, to be
                                                                                    Very respectfully
                                                                                    Your Obedient Servant
 
                                                                                    Foxhall A. Parker
                                                                                    Commanding Home Squadron