Eating On Union Ships

Back to Steve Hessons informative posts on the Civil War Navy and Marine Forum. Look back to the posts in September and October 2009.

Crews on both sides supplemented meals by hunting ( for the brown water Navy and fishing for both. This was true of Confederates as well. They could also purchase food from local vendors on "bum boats" and there were also licensed sutlers (like the Army).

Hot foods were often stews and soups. Rice and beans were a staple. Onions, carrots, potatoes or pork was also tossed in when available. There was also cold salt meat, cheese, the ever stand-by hard tack, soft bread and pickles.

Officers bought their own rations.

Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood. --Old B-Runner