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<\/a>Rum was not only imported, but also distilled in the colonies. being traded between colonies, but also exported to the rest of the Atlantic world.[2]<\/sup><\/a> The sugar based drink was not only prevalent in the British American colonies, but also the rest of the Atlantic World. This was a result of other alcoholic beverages such as beer and cider which \u201cdidn’t last as long, took up too much space to transport, and raw materials were readily available to make rum in high volumes.\u201d[3]<\/sup><\/a> Not to mention the alcohol content was higher and rum would keep longer than beer and cider.[4]<\/sup><\/a> Furthermore, rum was cheap! However, American colonial rum was cheaper than Caribbean rum, mostly because Caribbean rum was more refined and smoother.[5]<\/sup><\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n The Glassford and Henderson Ready Money account for October 1760 indicated large volumes of rum being sold, from gallons to pints, with 80 transactions throughout the month.\u00a0 Price varied only slightly with most quarts being sold for one shilling and six pence.\u00a0 There was only a few rum transactions that might hint at the difference between American and Caribbean made rum \u2013 transactions for only a pint at nearly one shilling and for one and a half quarts valued at two shillings and six pence, both nearly double the normal cost.[6]<\/sup><\/a> So being an inexpensive commodity, almost everyone could afford it, and having the option between premium Caribbean rum and cheaper American rum, the quantities at which people could buy the rum was endless.<\/p>\n In colonial America, alcohol was widely considered as a medical application as well as a pleasurable good, and also contributed to their mental state, kept them warm and even made them stronger.[7]<\/sup><\/a> Rum was thought to cure many of the illnesses that were common including pregnant women giving birth who were given rum as a means of anesthetic. Rum was used a source of something safe to drink, as dirty water would cause illness; the practice of drinking alcohol originally came over from Europe where polluted water supplies were widespread.[8]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n In conclusion, rum was a social lubricant, economic powerhouse, medical application, and a source of clean drinking supply. Rum was one of the most important commodities of colonial America.<\/p>\n Infographic on Rum<\/a><\/p>\n [1]<\/sup><\/a> Alexander Henderson, et. al.\u00a0 Ledger 1760-1761, Colchester, Virginia<\/em> folio 10-13 Debit\/Credit, from the John Glassford and Company Records<\/em>, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., Microfilm Reel 58 (owned by the Mount Vernon Ladies\u2019 Association).<\/p>\n [2]<\/sup><\/a> Ed Crews. \u201cDrinking in Colonial America: Rattle-Skull, Stonewall, Bogus, Blackstrap, Bombo, Mimbo, Whistle Belly, Syllabub, Sling, Toddy, and Flip.\u201d Colonial Williamsburg Journal, December 2007.\u00a0 http:\/\/www.history.org\/foundation\/journal\/holiday07\/drink.cfm<\/a> (Accessed December 5, 2016).<\/p>\n [3]<\/sup><\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n [4]<\/sup><\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n [5]<\/sup><\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n [6]<\/sup><\/a> \u00a0Henderson, et. al.\u00a0 Ledger 1760-1761, Colchester, Virginia<\/em> folio 10 Debit.<\/p>\n [7]<\/sup><\/a> Crews. \u201cDrinking in Colonial America.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/projects.cah.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2016\/12\/SzaryFig2.jpg\")
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