Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (US, also consolatory) alcohol, usu. whisky.

1824		J. Wight Mornings at Bow Street 44: [He] took a little of Deady’s consolatory* [[fn.:] Gin.—Deady is, or was, a celebrated distiller of that lively liquid.] on his way back from the mournful ceremonies.
[c.1825		‘The Humors of Whiskey’ [ballad] Oh what moderation gives hope to a nation / Or brings consolation like poteen me boys].
1863		‘Edmund Kirke’ My Southern Friends 87: The young planter bade the bar-tender [...] ‘trot out the consolation’.

2. (Aus.) a murder.

1895

Crowe Aus. Sl. Dict. 19: Consolation, assassination.