Hmmm...2.6 gallons per day is drinking just over 0.1 gallon/hour. Allowing for sail-handling, fighting and sleeping, they were likely drinking about a pint an hour. In those days, many folks didn't drink water, preferring beer or wine to avoid contracting water-borne illnesses. Whiskey and Rum were probably considered the safest of all.
This may be the root of the U.S. Navy's long-standing tradition of placing top priority on crew safety!
I wish ALL history was this interesting
