the interpreter cleared his throat and in a very authoritative voice read , any act of theft will be punished with 12 lashings , sleeping on your watch12 lashings , failing to show adequate officer respecttwelve lashings , refusing to obey orders12 lashings and three days in the brig veronicas articles of war were read to the crew every sunday on board so that there could be no misunderstanding and so that the complete knowledge of the laws would be for the benefit and protection of all .