As part of The Mariners’ Museum’s Commemoration of the Battle of Hampton Roads, join us for a virtual lecture with author and historian John V. Quarstein when he presents on how the consumption of alcohol plagued sailors on USS Monitor during the Civil War. Viewers are welcome to send John any comments or questions during the presentation, and he will answer following his talk.

About this presentation: Drinking and fighting always seem to have some type of connection. Grog was first concocted in the 17th century eventually mixing rum, gin, or whiskey with water and lime/lemon. It was a boost to sailors fighting boredom on long sea journeys or giving a surge of instant courage when preparing for battle. Enlisted men could only drink when their grog ration was issued or when they were off duty. Officers, however, drank without care and were only punished when their intoxication became debilitating. Monitor’s paymaster, William Keeler, fought to do away with the grog ration saying drinking was the “curse of the navy.” Many Civil War soldiers and sailors were plagued by whiskey, whiskey, and more whiskey.