Little Known Naval History

[RickK]

The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides), as a combat vessel, carried 48,600 gallons of fresh waterfor her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (i.e. fresh water distillers).

However, let it be noted that according to her ship's log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum."

Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping."

Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum.

Then she headed for the Azores , arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine.

On 18 November, she set sail for England . In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each.

By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland . Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home.

The U. S. S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky, and 38,600 gallons of water.

GO NAVY

[fitz73222]

From what I've read; water quality was so poor in those days that rum was actually a safe alternative to drinking water. I guess storing water in a wood barrell didn't work so well.

[flounderpounder225]

And we get 2 lowsy beers after 45 consecutive days at sea....  

[seabob4]

You know when you're fighting, it don't hurt so much when you're wasted...

[GoneFission]

From what I've read; water quality was so poor in those days that rum was actually a safe alternative to drinking water. I guess storing water in a wood barrell didn't work so well.

Many ships of the day carried little or no water because you could not keep it fresh.  Beer, wine, or rum (mixed with water to kill what was in the water) were the beverages of choice.  The alcohol in those kept the kegs from becoming a biology project like the water barrels.  Generally ships would stock up on the local beverage that was available - beer in the UK, wine in Spain and Portugal, and rum in the West Indies.

[gran398]

I have a sixth sense that in a previous life I may have served on that vessel. I just can't remember.

[T Race]

For those readers among you,

    If you'd like to explore British naval sea life during 1800, to say 1825, I very highly recommend a series of 21 novels: the "Master and Commander" series.

    Written by author Patrick O'Brian, whom The Washington Post proclaims is "...the best writer you never heard of", the novels are a marvelous window into the daily lives of British sailors during the Napoleonic wars. Ship life on tall ships, battle, intrigue, history - its pretty great stuff.    

   Anyone I've ever met who has ever read one or two of these novels has become hooked.  I got my first in the series as a paperback at a used book store...I now have the complete series, Collector's Edition, hardbound.  

  I think I have read the complete series about 3 times now, and I have really enjoyed it... I hope you will, too.

  Just sayin'.....  Cheers, shipmates, T

[Blue Agave]

I guess the history lesson here is, make sure and keep your booze away from Navy personnel!  

[DOCREED]

When i have time I will figure out the Constitution's MPG of rum.