David Norris , in the recent issue of American Heritage, informs us that the Union's Grand Army of the Republic during the Civil War, comparatively awash in supplies compared to the Southern Army, also had an abundance of coffee to keep them going.
Southerners could expect to pay up to $70 a pound due to the blockade, while Union troops enjoyed a 6 cup a day ration. They even experimented with an instant coffee sort of product that no-one would drink. So, it was back to the whole beans for the boys.
William McKinley, the 19 year old commissary sergeant and future president even got in on the act, delivering his regiment, the 23rd Ohio volunteers, a cup of hot coffee and food for every man while under fire during the battle of Sharpsburg.
So, for all you coffee drinkers out there, raise your cup(s) today in memory of the brave lads, and ladies, that served, sacrificed and got fueled up on some hot joe to bring us the freedoms we enjoy.
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