Such whiskey peddling was illegal in both armies, and numerous attempts were made to combat the practice. One sutler for a New York regiment who had been caught selling whiskey to soldiers was summarily drummed out of camp with a dozen liquor bottles dangling from his neck. Another, convicted of peddling “condensed corn,” was made to stand on a barrel for hours, while his equally guilty wife was forced to carry a heavy log through camp.

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As officers have learned throughout history, however, no measures–however stringent–can completely prevent thirsty soldiers from drinking. Mississippi Lieutenant John Brynam spoke with the voice of experience when he noted resignedly, “A soldier will get whiskey at any risk–if anywhere in the neighborhood.” Or even near the neighborhood–Union General Abner Doubleday once overheard an Irish infantryman lament, after watching his captain pour out a cache of rotgut: “Dennis, if I’m kilt in the next battle, bring me back and bury me here.” Doubleday neglected to say whether the dispirited soldier got his wish.

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