Nelson's Blood

[Edward Hamilton]

The Story of Naval Rum by Captain James Pack Obe RN

First printed in the UK in 1982, reprinted Oct 83. Printed again 1995 for the US market.

This 196 page volume traces the origin of the beloved navy tot from the Caribbean to the last ship to call Up Spirits on July 31, 1970.

Anyone who has an interest in the history of the tot, grog, and one of the longest lived traditions in our history will find Nelson's Blood an entertaining read.

[Tiare]

I will sure do, if i can find the book.

[msinabottle]

I'm sure you all know the legendary origin of the term... Although the usual liquid used to preserve a corpse was brandy, which, correctly, offered less impurities and sugars for devouring bacteria to feed upon than our tipple of interest.

What's interesting to me is that I read that the term originated with General Ross, the British commander of the landward attack upon Baltimore in 1814. He was shot at long range during the assault.

There being no brandy, he got a cask of naval rum, etc., etc. For more on General Ross, you can see here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Ross_(general)

Sometimes, when I drink Rum, I think of General Ross.

Best!

[Hours of Wealth]

sounds like a great read, i'll try and look into it

[TheRumelier]

Just a quick note of reference, Nelson died in 1805, 9 years before Ross in 1814, so Nelson died before Ross. Stories appear to vary between brandy and rum as the preservative of choice. The guide I had while visiting HMS Victory last year said it was brandy Nelson was pickled in, but several other sources say it was rum. Both arguments have merit. I like to think it was rum, especially as the British Navy hated the French, so why would they use brandy? Also a hoggshead barrel looks big enough to fit a small sailor in!!!!
However, could this be considered spiced rum with this extra additive??????

[Rum Runner]

Originally Posted by TheRumelier

However, could this be considered spiced rum with this extra additive??????

Bob...You crack me up! No doubt the barrel was incorrectly labeled!

[Edward Hamilton]

By 1805, the Royal Navy had adopted rum as part of the daily tot on board ships since 1687, nearly 120 years. Since there were almost certainly empty rum barrels on board when Nelson died, an argument could be made that he was put into an empty rum barrel.

And the TheRumelier points out, brandy would have been imported from France? who the English were fighting at Trafalgar. Some of the officers on board HMS Victory had some brandy, but would an officer rather give up his stash of brandy or deprive the sailors of the deck of some of their rum in order to preserve their Admiral on the return voyage to England?

[TheRumelier]

Originally Posted by Rum Runner

No doubt the barrel was incorrectly labeled!

I guess we could blame the sailors for this one and not the unscrupilous rum producers!!