John Lange of Richmond, Va., a “chronicler of small beer” is in trouble: his beer has given out; he can’t recuperate—Uncle Sam won’t let him; and the F. F.’s are thirsty. John deplores thus: “In consequence of the blockade of the ports of Virginia by Abe Lincoln, I am unable to procure my regular supply of Reading lager beer, and will close my house on the 1st of May. If, however, I should be able to procure beer from another source I will reopen, when the public shall be duly notified, and the day on which the Southern Independence is acquired, I will keep open house and treat all day.” John is safe on his last contingent.
Chicago Daily Tribune, Chicago, IL
Lange’s Saloon
In time, the federal blockage of southern ports would affect more than the secessionists’ lager supply, impacting nearly every aspect of life during as the war went on.
John Lange was a German immigrant who ran a saloon in Richmond, VA. Despite the lack of a supply of quality Pennsylvania beer, he seems to have maintained his business through the war, and General Terry, head of the post-war occupying forces, and his staff were noted as having held at least one meeting at Lange’s saloon, despite the proprietor’s continued loyalty to the Confederate cause.
In the end, Herr Lange was never required to open his taps to the public gratis.