Peculation and Flogging

Today we find politicians, in their zeal to get reelected, appropriating federal funds for local pet projects.  I feel the need to share George Washington’s reaction to such misappropriation. It was known as PECULATION, the act of illegally taking or using money, especially public money, that you are responsible for managing. It is also known as embezzlement or defalcation.

In 1775, General Washington took command of 20,000 men surrounding the British army in Boston. He found officers using army funds to aid local hamlets and friends. Faced with such parochialism and lack of discipline in the local militias, he sought the advice of two trusted Virginia officers, Major-Generals Charles Lee and Horatio Gates. The topic was punishment and one glaring crime was PECULATION. The following is a small excerpt from my sixth novel in the “Snug Harbor Tavern Saga”.

                   Charles Lee rolled his eyes. “In my opinion many so-called field officers will prove useless; they have no experience to endure an extended campaign.”

                   “That’s why I’m out there every day, and I do see progress. You must admit they have adopted our new regulations. My presence out there seems enough to get them moving; I don’t have to say a word. I am particularly pleased with General Thomas in the Roxbury camp.”

                   “Watching officers get demoted and flogged for cowardice and peculation has captured everyone’s attention, George,” uttered Gates with a smile. “Officers with the distinctive ribbons of rank in their tricorns now understand the real burden of command.”

Today the suggestion of a judge imposing “flogging” as punishment for any crime would shake the rafters of any courthouse. However, total lack of punishment for such PECULATION seems worthy of legal thought. It makes me ask, “Have we legalized PECULATION?” Just asking!