The army and navy had very few opportunities of distinguishing themselves; they had a well-earned rest after 1815, but they were slow in doing away with the old bad practices in force in both services. For instance, flogging is still in force for some offences in the navy, by the regulations issued on December 18, 1871. Abolition of flogging in the army, at all events in time of peace, was advocated in Parliament in 1836, but came to nought; this was, however, done in April, 1868, and altogether abolished in April, 1881. What flogging in the army was like, we may see by the following police report, taken from the _Times_ of May 18, 1833:-- "MANSION HOUSE.--Yesterday, a soldier, named George M'Willen, aged twenty-one years, was brought before the Lord Mayor, charged by a soldier with having deserted from the 77th Regiment. "William Rogers, a private in the army, stated that the prisoner had admitted to him that he had deserted from his regiment. "The Lord Mayor (to the prisoner): Did you acknowledge that you deserted? "Prisoner: Yes, my lord, but not till he told me I was a deserter; I was not quite such a fool. "The Lord Mayor: Why did you desert from your regiment? "Prisoner: Because I was tired of flogging. I am only twenty-one years of age, and I have received nine hundred lashes. (Here were some expressions of surprise and disgust.) "The Lord Mayor: Did I hear you rightly? Did you say nine hundred lashes? "Prisoner: No doubt of it, my lord. "Mr. Hobler: It is impossible, if you received nine hundred lashes, you can stand up so straight. "Prisoner: I received them all, and I can show the marks. It is true I received them at different times; but I've had them all. "The Lord Mayor: And what have you been doing with yourself since you deserted? "Prisoner: I have been mining in Cornwall. I thought it would be the best way of getting out of danger by going underground. "The Lord Mayor: And why didn't you stay in Cornwall? Why did you come to London? "Prisoner: I don't know why I left Cornwall; but I was looking for work when I was taken up for deserting. I am able for any sort of labour. "The Lord Mayor: Why were you flogged? "Prisoner: I'd rather not say anything about that; I shall soon have to answer again. "Mr. Hobler: You unfortunate fellow, you must have been a great violator of discipline, or you could not have been so dreadfully punished. "The Prisoner (shaking his head): I've had my share. "The Lord Mayor: Tell me, are you a sober man? "Prisoner: No, my lord; I can't say I am. "The Lord Mayor: By how many Courts Martial have you been tried?