Did All of the Founding Fathers Drink Too Much Alcohol?

In the late 18th century, early American history, alcohol was often preferred over potentially contaminated water. Thispractice, coupled with the celebratory and relaxed nature of the times, led to a society where consuming alcohol, especially among the Founding Fathers, was quite common.

Alcohol as a Daily Beverage

Back then, alcohol was considered a safer choice than water. In fact, it was said that everybody got "hammered." This was due to the lack of proper sanitation and the difficulty in ensuring the purity of drinking water. Many people, including the Founding Fathers, were regular drinkers, which raises the question of whether their heavy alcohol consumption affected their decision-making and actions.

Franklin's Dictionary of Drinking

Benjamin Franklin, one of the most prominent figures among the Founding Fathers, wrote a humorous list known as the "Drinker's Dictionary." This document offered colorful and imaginative descriptions of various states of intoxication:

Describing a drunk as "halfway to Concord" reflects a vivid and whimsical portrayal of his condition. "Head full of bees" captures the buzz one might experience after drinking. "Thump over the head with Sampson's jawbone" suggests a robust and forceful way of taking alcohol.

Franklin humorously noted that those who consumed alcohol excessively were "too free with Sir John Strawberry," an allusion to Sir John Strawberry, a character in a play known for his frequent use of alcohol. This not only adds a layer of humor but also indicates the prevalence of alcohol in daily life.

Excessive Drinking at the Constitutional Convention

The 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, which convened in 1787, were no strangers to the importance of alcohol in social settings. This was a pivotal moment in American history, and yet, they chose to spend a significant amount of their time drinking and celebrating.

According to the bill preserved from the evening, they drank approximately 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, 8 bottles of whiskey, 22 of porter, 8 of hard cider, 12 of beer, and 7 bowls of alcoholic punch. This amount of alcohol consumed suggests that drinking was not merely for pleasure but also a form of social bonding and stress relief. The enthusiasm for alcohol was so high that the bill from the tavern still exists, providing evidence of their revelry.

The delegates drinking spree lasted for two days leading up to signing the Constitution. This detailed record of alcohol consumption raises questions about the impact of their heavy drinking on their work and the decisions made during the Convention.

Concerns and Reflections

While Benjamin Franklin himself acknowledged that excessive drinking made men act like fools, he did enjoy his fair share of alcohol. His recognition of the potential pitfalls of heavy drinking also shows a certain level of self-awareness. If one of the most respected founding figures could be swayed by alcohol, it is worth considering the broader implications for those around him.

The excessive drinking at the Constitutional Convention can be seen as both a testament to the social acceptability of alcohol in American society and a reflection of the stress and excitement of creating a new nation. This event highlights the complex relationship between the Founding Fathers and alcohol: a staple of social and political life, yet capable of leading to questionable decisions.

Conclusion

The question of whether the Founding Fathers drank too much alcohol is one that touches on both the frivolous side of their character and the serious implications of their actions. While they enjoyed the social and celebratory aspects of drinking, there is also the concern that it may have affected their judgment and decision-making. This topic serves as a reminder of the dual nature of alcohol in early American history and its impact on the formation of a nation.