Military Base

 Flogestone Mayor, City square 1 452042, Flogestone

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16th April, Flogestone

Andrew Taft

Colonel in the 5th regiment

I'm writing to you to formally complain about the noise coming from the military base. Town citizens living close to the barracks have reported to me that at least twice a week, sometimes more often, they can hear terrifying sounds of soldiers being punished. They can put up with the sound made by the drums and whips; however, the loud screams upset the residents. Each sharp whistle of the whip is followed by a loud crack and deep groans. The continuous, permanent and scary yelling full of agony is really horrifying. One of the citizens compared it to the "howls of wild animals burned alive".

When the wind blows from the north, carrying the noise of corporal punishment, the whip biting into the punished soldiers' flesh and making them moan can even be heard in the town hall. I do have to emphasize that, sometimes, this spectacle goes on for hours, allowing our ears to rest only when the convict is too exhausted to shout out in pain any more. Some people, who have tried to count the number of screams, feel that the punishment is too brutal. When a lady screams, it is something rather normal. But listening to strong male voices screaming desperately and in tears is something people are not used to.

The barracks are closed to the civilians and therefore a lot of gossip and rumors about what is happening there are spreading throughout the village. I suspect the boy who fell down from the roof last week had climbed up there secretly to watch the whipping procedure from the walls.

We were full of hope and pride when our town was chosen to establish the army base. I am fully aware that I have no right to interfere with the army rules. However, as the mayor and in order to protect the interests of the citizens, I consider that it is my duty to kindly ask for a reduction of the level of your soldiers' screams, for the benefit of the village I represent. Perhaps, there is a way to stop punishing soldiers so frequently or you may replace whipping with imprisonment. Should the above proposals be inappropriate, would you consider moving outdoor whipping into some secluded place or basement? I trust we can find a solution for the problem.

Sincerely

Thomas Kenneth