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THINKING LIKE A HISTORIAN

Alcohol was ubiquitous in post-Revolutionary America. Expensive wines and distilled
The Social Life of spirits traveled through the channels of Atlantic trade; molasses was imported from
the West Indies and distilled into rum in American port towns; and cider, beer, and
Alcohol whiskey were produced on a small scale everywhere in the countryside. Taverns were
centers of social and political activity. Alcohol both mirrored and reinforced the eco-
nomic and geographical divisions in American life.

1. James Newport’s ad in the Pennsylvania Gazette , 1790. 2. Benjamin Chew on providing alcohol to his slaves, 1794.
This advertisement illustrates the connections between the The instructions of a prominent Philadelphia lawyer and land-
trade in alcohol and the Atlantic world. While cheap whiskey, owner to his overseer about giving rum to his slaves during the
cider, and beer were made in American homes, fine wines and harvest.
spirits were articles of international trade. I have written . . . to let you have [illegible] Rum & other
JAMES NEWPORT, At his Wine, Spirit and Cordial necessaries for the Harvest. But as these articles are so
Stores , in Second street, at the upper corner of Carter’s [illegible] dear I must recommend it to you to be as spar-
alley, has, by Wholesale and Retail, MADEIRA, Sherry, ing of them as possible. . . . I must rely on you good man
Lisbon, Teneriffe, Malaga, Fayal, and Port Wines, [to conduct] the Business. . . . I would have you let the
Jamaica spirits, Antigua rum, Philadelphia ditto, Holland People have a little Rum — let them be cautious in using
gin, Philadelphia ditto, very excellent, in cases, Coniac too much Spirits during Harvest — it will be well to mix
[ sic ] brandy, American ditto, good flavor, choice shrub. some molasses with water to drink — it is very whole-
CORDIALS, &c. Anniseed water, clove water, all-fours, some & much recommended. . . . I need not caution you
Cinnamon water, prime wine and rum colouring, wine that a great deal depends upon your own proper atten-
bitters. Spirits of wine. Retail Stores and Tavern-keepers tion to yourself and that you are careful of good Conduct
will in particular, find their interest in buying here, the during Harvest.
articles being all the best in their kind, and selling at the
most reduced prices. Philadelphia, April 30, 1790.

3. Anonymous, The Toast , c. 1810–1815. In this painting, a group of well-to-do gentlemen are drinking wine out
of fine crystal stemware, and several are smoking clay pipes. Someone has just proposed a toast.

S ource: John P. Nugent Collection, Newburgh, Indiana.

Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
218 Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution.

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