Yeah, they were Puritans, meaning Scotch Presbyterians. They drank like fish -- I know, I am one. The pastor would be at the tavern all night Saturday, if for no other reason than to call bullshit on the people who were drinking it up Saturday night but then "too sick" to go to church on Sunday morning. (You actually got fined for not going to church unless you had an excuse.) You are not supposed to be a drunkard, which means that your drinking is a problem -- you drink and blaspheme, you drink to stupor when you should be working, you drink up the whole family budget, etc. The prude slander is out of line too. Puritans fuck. In fact, if you aren't fucking, that's grounds for your spouse to drag you in front of the pastor for a talking to. We just don't do fornication and adultery. Part of your obligation as a husband is to satisfy your wife's carnal needs, to keep her from being tempted to adultery (and vice-versa.) If you are tempted by fornication, get married. That's what it's there for. (And the issuance of legitimate heirs.)