One needless piece of cruelty which was exercised toward boys by Puritan lawgivers is shown by one of the enjoined duties of the Tithingman.
"Customs and Fashions in Old New England"
Alice Morse Earle
I do not doubt that the boys swam, since each Tithingman had ten families under his charge; but of course they could not swim as often nor as long as they wished.
"Customs and Fashions in Old New England"
Alice Morse Earle