I have just reading an article on the "first shot" at Gettysburg ("Gettysburg's First Shot -- A War of Opinions", Benedict Maryniak), he references the orders from A.P. Hill to Henry Heth as "(a) have his division ready to march at 5 o'clock that morning, (b) see that each man wanting an issue of whiskey received one, and (c) not bring on an engagement."

I am curious about the second part of that order -- the issue of whiskey. Would this be a customary order? Was it related to possible battle coming or a ordinary daily allotment? It seems odd to have it issued so early in the day if it was just a regular, daily occurrence so I am wondering if this was typical of any time the commanders felt the men might engage in battle for the day? If so, was that almost always the case -- were they ordered allotments of whiskey before every battle. Was it specific to commander or across the army as a whole. Any insight is appreciated.

Thank you