John Dunton, writing from Boston in 1686 to his friends in England,
quotes some of the Province laws then in force. He says:--
For being drunk they either Whip or impose a Fine of Five
shillings; And yet, notwithstanding this Law, there are several
of them so addicted to it that they begin to doubt whether it be
a Sin or no, and seldom go to Bed without Muddy Brains.
For Cursing and Swearing they bore through the Tongue with a hot
Iron.
For kissing a woman in the Street, though but in way of Civil
Salute, Whipping or a Fine (Their way of Whipping Criminals is by
Tying them to a Gun at the Town House, and when so Ty'd whipping
them at the pleasure of the Magistrate and according to the
Nature of the Offence).
For Adultery they are put to Death, and so for Witchcraft, For
that, there are a great many Witches in this Country &c.
Scolds they gag and set them at their own Doors, for certain
hours together for all comers and goers to gaze at.
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