Annals of Philadelphia by John P. Watson

CHAPTER PRIMITIVE COURTS AND TRIALS

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The 10th of 3 mo 1684 the Governor informs council that he had called the Indians together and proposed to them to let them have rum if they would be contented to oc punished as the English were which they did agree to provided that the law of not selling them rum be abolished.

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CHAPTER INNOVATIONS
AND
NEW MODES OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS, &c.

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Rum Distilleries

Rum distilled from molasses was once an article largely manufactured and sold in Philadelphia. It bore as good a price as the Boston or New England rum, and both of them nearly as much as that imported from the West Indies. About the year 1762, there used to be frequent mention of Wharton's "great still-house," on the wharf near the Swedes' church; also, Sims' and Cadwallader's still-house below the Drawbridge; one in Front above Arch street; two large ones in Cable lane; one at Masters', above Point Pleasant, in Kensington; one out High street, between Eighth and Ninth streets.

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CHAPTER TAVERNS

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In 1752 there were found in the city 120 taverns with licenses and 118 houses that sold rum by the quart.

In 1756 the number of licensed inns in the city was ascertained to be 117.

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CHAPTER REMARKABLE INCIDENTS

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1728 - We have the following surprising though authentic account of rum imported into Pennsylvania during the year 1728 to wit 224,500 gallons. In that day no other kind of spirits was used.

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