The US wasn't at war with Britain in 1798, and even during the War of 1812, the Constitution never sailed in British home waters. This story sounds like an amalgamation of the exploits of John Paul Jones about Bonhomme Richard (who really did raid Scotland during the Revolutionary War, but didn't take scotch), the real Constitution, which did sink or capture four British men-of-war (Guerriere, Java, Cyane and Levant) in addition to several merchantmen, and the daydreams of a parched sailor. Makes for an amusing story, though, and it's true that sailors did consume pretty copious quantities of liquor (though 2 gallons per day is a little excessive).
That picture of Constitution under topsails with a Perry and a Burke (anyone know which ones?) and the Hornets passing overhead is pretty badass, though.
Great tale, but as noted, dates and locations don't quite match up. Here's a
slightly more plausible source for rations overall and grog (spirit ration).
Some more recent shots from Navy Newsstand:
070704-N-1189B-068 BOSTON (July 4, 2007) – USS Constitution makes her annual trip through Boston in celebration of the Fourth of July. Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides,” is the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy and oldest floating warship in the world. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary L. Borden (RELEASED)
070609-N-9793B-001 BOSTON (June 7, 2007) - Sailors tip their hats for a 21-gun salute to the nation during USS Constitution’s first underway demonstration of 2007. More than 400 military and civilian guests were aboard for the two-hour cruise, the first of six scheduled for the summer. At 209 years old, USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. She has a crew of 64 active duty Sailors and is visited by nearly half a million tourists annually. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Brian Brooks (RELEASED)
070622-N-2893B-001 BOSTON, Mass. (June 22, 2007) - With a little help from Command Senior Chief Don Abele, three children lead hundreds of invited guests in reciting the pledge of allegiance while aboard USS Constitution during the ship’s 2nd underway demonstration of the year. The three masted, wood-hulled frigate was towed about three miles to Castle Island area where she gave a 21-gun salute to the nation for USS Constitution Day. At 209 years old, USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, manned by 64 active duty U.S. Navy Sailors, and visited by nearly half a million tourist annually. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Brown (RELEASED)
