Chatham Artillery Punch

The following punch recipe was provided by Elizabeth Edgerton (elizaann@premier1.net) from a clipping she possesses from the New York Herald Tribune, circa 1930s.

Preceeding the recipe is this short explanation:

"The recipe, which was kept jealously secret for years and was unobtainable by an outsider, is presented here together with the historical date submitted by our Virginia Trailer.

"Originated with the Chatham Artillery, Savannah, Ga., and served in that city for more than 100 years. It is delicious, seductive, powerful. This is the punch that knocked out Admiral Schley when he visited Savannah in 1899 after the Spanish War. Admiral Cervera's Spanish shells were harmless to the brave American admiral, but Artillery Punch scored a direct hit which put him out for two days."

For 100 People (Or Ten Admirals)

1-1/2 gallons Catawba Wine
1-1/2 quarts Rye Whisky
1/2 gallon St. Croix Rum
1/2 pint Benedictine
1 quart Gin
1 quart Brandy
1-1/2 gallons strong tea
2-1/2 pounds brown sugar
Juice 1-1/2 dozen oranges
Juice 1-1/2 dozen lemons

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