Posted by English Trader on September 11, 1998 at 11:47:15:
In Reply to: Re: The Tea Trade posted by French Trader on September 11, 1998 at 11:29:47:
: : Dear English Trader,
: : You may pay homage to your sovereign, His Majesty King Georgie II, to your heart's content. All I want is his tea. What is a colony without a good supply of English tea? Ceylon, Pekoe, ... any of the fine black teas will do. But who is this Earl Grey who stamps his title upon our beverage before his time? No, send him to the tower, along with his tea.
: : Do hurry. We've heard ugly rumours that King Georgie has gone mad and wishes to levy a heavy tax upon our goods!
: : As for my reputable colleague, the French Trader, it will do well to remind you that St. Luc de la Corne has been known to trade within the English colonies and Robert Rogers, before his career as a Ranger, has dallied in a bit of trading with the French colonists as well. Currency is curency, after all.
: : Let us know quickly when we can expect the ship that bears our tea.
: : Respectfully,
: : E. Lane
: ____________________________
: If I may be so bold E.Lane.. Look to the post rider in two nights and a bit to arrive with a box of "Oolong" black tea straight from China and out of my personal supply. Do not let your eyes be glazed over with gifts from this English Trader. DT and I have shown the wampum belt to our naive brothers and they are ready to color their hatchets red with blood. ( I first want to see what trade goods he has ) Keep your distance from him for I know not how long I can hold them back.
: French Trader
Most gracious and amiable E.Lane,
Do not be fooled by the foul tea spread by the French Trader. What do the French know of tea? Their Latinate disposition is not inclined to appreciate quality tea, as they would rather swill les autre beverages while they make love with their faces.
I will have in your hands in a fortnight the finest England can offer, if you will allow me to select my personal favorite bearing the name of our late Queen Anne. I see those tiny leaves hold great power in assisting our goal of making the world England.
As for indications of my ship of tea, forgive me for keeping that secret, as I understand American colonists are genetically inclined to destroy tea shipments onboard. As for currency, well, we are awash in wampum and brandy, and I will trade in hard currency.
And by the by, those other lowlands traders and their red hatchets do not scare me; I have the might of George II behind me! I'm going to sic England's finest Mad Cows upon them. Beware the droppings indeed!!
Your most humble servant,
English Trader