lay him open to censure, he wrote the following on the wall:--

"The reason of my going is because I have _no fire_ to comfort
myself with, and very _little_ provision. So I am sure, if I was
to _stay_ any longer I should perish to death. Look at that bed
there! Do you think it fit for any person to lie on?

"If you are well, I am well;
Mend the chimney, and all's well!

"To the gentlemen and officers of Portsmouth from your humble
servant,

"WILLIAM FALL.

"N.B. I am very sorry that I did not think of this before, for if
I had, your people should not have had the pleasure of seeing me
take the lashes."

The whipping-post and stocks were discontinued in Massachusetts early
in the present century. On the 15th of January, 1801, one Hawkins
stood an hour in the pillory in Court Street (now Washington Street),
Salem, and had his ear cropped for the crime of forgery, pursuant to
the sentence of the Supreme Court.

It would be easy to multiply cases showing the old methods of dealing
with criminals; but we think we have cited enough for our readers to
be able to form some judgment as to the desirability of reviving the
old and degrading systems, even if it could be done. It does seem
sometimes that there are brutes in the shape of men whose cruelty,