3-008-367 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Reinforcements for Canada: dinner-time and serving out of the grog on board a troop-ship at Woolwich, 1862. 'Although there is now every reason to hope...that the cloud which a short time ago gathered so darkly between this country and the Federal States of America has been entirely dissipated, still it is most gratifying to look back at the prompt action of our Government, and the zeal shown by all the officials engaged in carrying out their plans on that occasion...The men were divided into messes, as sailors are, and had the same kinds of provisions, beef fresh (as long as it would last, and then salted), puddings occasionally, preserved vegetables, and biscuits. The joints were carved by the oldest or the first in rank, or by a captain of mess appointed for the day or week. After dinner the men were served with grog the same as in the navy. The grog (rum-and-water) was served out in tin cans. A good deal of fun, one may be sure, goes on at dinner and grog time. After dinner the men were allowed to smoke for half an hour in stated parts of the ship'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.