August 2nd 1861
Benjamin Butler Bans Booze
Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler addressed the problem of drunkenness among the troops at Ft. Monroe, at Hampton Roads, Va. He went about this in a straightforward manner, simply outlawing the sale of intoxicating beverages to the soldiers. This worked about as well as prohibition ever does: booze was found at one time or another stored in gun barrels, cannon tubes, and canteens.