The current issue of the Rowan Co. Genealogy Society Journal came today. I noticed some "cruel and unusual" punishments in two trials in April 1828 in Rowan Co. Both were for theft--one for horse stealing and the other for house breaking (changed to just larceny). I was struck by the fact that both men could have been sentenced to death! Instead because they "prayed the benefit of clergy for leniency," they were sentenced to be beaten by whiplash, one for 39 lashes and the other for 25 lashes. In both cases, the punishment was split into two phases about a month apart. I guess they wanted the first wounds to heal before meting out the rest of the punishments by lashing. I doubt if Rowan Co. NC was more harsh than others in this early period. Betty Pace ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.