Perques: What George Washington gave his gardener:

... four Dollars at Christmas, with which he may be drunk 4 days and 4 nights; two Dollars at Easter to effect the same purpose; two Dollars also at Whitsontide, to be drunk two days; A Dram in the morning, and a drink of Grog at Dinner or at Noon.

I guess he wouldn't have supported prohibition.

UPDATE: David Schuler reminds me:

Yes, times have changed. But once upon a time alcohol was a wonder drug. THE wonder drug until aspirin came along.