Offering fringe benefits during the hiring process to entice workers has been a common practice for centuries. For the Royal Navy, one important benefit every sailor came to expect was the “Rum Ration” or “Daily Tot”.   but as you know, some commanders will try to “stretch” benefits further than others. Some commanders offer great perks while others are lacking.

“Old Grog” – How does a Temperance Minded Captain Mange the “Daily Tot”?

Royal Navy promised its sailors a ration of rum each day.  This practice started around 1655 and was not discontinued until 1974.  One admiral, however, was “violently opposed strong drink in any form and cursed its ill effects on the morals of his men.”  Realizing that he couldn’t completely eliminate the “daily tot”, admiral, Edward Vernon[i], ordered the rum be diluted with water. Admiral Vernon often wore a grogram jacket earning him the nickname “Old Grog” and it wasn’t long before the sailors began to derisively refer to their diluted tot as “Grogs mixture” and eventually just grog.

Well, if a Tot is Good, then Two must be Better!

During the Seven Years War (AKA the French and Indian War), Ben Franklin was tasked with forming a militia for the defense of Pennsylvania.  He set about building forts and recruiting soldiers.  To entice men to join, he offered a daily ration of a PINT of rum — twice the amount that the Royal Navy offered!  Franklin’s troops were always punctual when lining up to receive rum rations and Franklin, ever the clever businessman, divided their daily ration into multiple portions distributed throughout the day to keep the men on station.

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[i] George Washington’s older half-brother, Lawrence, served on Vernon’s ship HMS Princess Caroline in 1741. He named his Virginia estate “Mount Vernon” in honor of his former commander, a name that was retained by George Washington.

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The Regimental Brewmeister has secured a small stash of copper flasks.  Each is 10 ounces and suitable for keeping your daily tot.  Perhaps you have seen the one I carry in my haversack.  These are heavy and well made.  Perfect for keeping a little liquid courage handy should you have to face British bayonets.  I found a deal on 10 and I am selling these for $40 each, first come, first served.  No, I will not ship them but if you are a known person, I might hold one for you until you can meet me at an event.aps you have seen the one I carry in my haversack.  These are heavy and well made.  Perfect for keeping a little liquid courage handy should you have to face British bayonets.  I found a deal on 10 and I am selling these for $40 each, first come, first served.  No, I will not ship them but if you are a known person, I might hold one for you until you can meet me at an event.

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