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

Sir, 

In obedience to your orders of 5 June last, I beg have to make the following report, as containing my views 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 the 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 state that the crews of vessels (composing the Home Squadron) evince less alacrity and cheerfulness than 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 regulations of the Navy) by which the badly disposed persons 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 drum head, or other Courts Martial, might, and I believe would, have a good effect; but, in all cases, punishment should follow crime as soon as possible. 

In justness to the Petty Officers, Seamen and ordinary seamen, I take pleasure in stating that very little complaint is made of them for want of proper conduct and obedience to orders; but it is the landsmen and dissolute youths who are picked up in our large cities, that create most of the difficulties 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 permitted 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 on long cruisers, this law could not be carried out, for it might happen that the whole ship's company would be put on a short allowance from necessity. 

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

                                                                                    I have the honor, to be 
                                                                                    Very respectfully 
                                                                                    Your Obedient Servant 

                                                                                    Foxhall A. Parker 
                                                                                    Commanding Home Squadron