Tell Carlsbad I Want Tea

Published February 4, 2017 · Updated July 6, 2022

What does James Delaney really want?

The attempt to break EIC’s monopoly in China-Canada tea trade seems a way to get back at the Company (and getting rich while at it), and it also represents the core of the proposal that Delaney makes to the Crown and to the Americans.

“Tea. You tell Carlsbad i want tea.” “You tell Carlsbad from me that I will cede sovereignty of Nootka Sound to whichever nation offers me their monopoly on the trade of furs for tea from Fort George to Canton. A monopoly. That’s what I want. All the tea in China (ep. 3, to Dunbarton)

Also, the production of gunpowder as a mean of exchange with the Nootka Sound native goes in the same direction of the establishment of a trade network.

However, it all seems a little TOO straightforward a plan, especially considering how Delaney – thanks to Godfrey – is privy to the fact that the EIC suspects that he wants/needs gunpowder).

As Taboo appears deeply rooted in history, it is necessary to consider that the shared sovereignty on Nootka continued to be an item of dispute between US, UK and later Spain until 1846. Also, EIC did not lose its monopoly for trade in tea and the trade with China until the Government of India Act 1833.

SO, we may reasonably assume that James Delaney will NOT be successful in his effort in breaking the monopoly. But we can also assume that the fur-tea trade is NOT is real objective and there must be another way for him to take his revenge at the EIC.

“I want a line of conference with the President of the 15 states of America” (ep. 2, to Dunbarton) 2. I want to meet with the Embassy in Paris (ep. 4, to Carlsbad)

“When the time is right and the company has fallen we can leave. I have accrued a band of loyal servants, none of whom have any value to me beyond the facilitation of this greater good” 4. “There is enough treachery already surrounding us that there is no need for us to add to it” (ep. 3 to Zilpha)

The content of his letters and his reaction to Thorne’s outburst at the party (in order to keep the secrets buried) clearly outline the deep affection and desire towards his (half)sister. Every outcome must therefore include her for James to consider it a success. Also, while he appears extremely confident in every verbal exchange, and clearly imposes his will at a distance in their spiritual “encounters”, he seems genuinely shocked and uneasy when he is surprised by her presence.

In other news: Lorna Bow remains a mystery.
I still think she is an agent for the Americans (as she is way too informed and witty while apparently foolish and lightheaded, and absorbs the attempt by the Crown in an extremely relaxed and matter-of-fact way), but she could also be playing a more personal angle, or could serve more than one master.

More questions than theories i know, but i hope some good food for thought. Keep up the good work,
Stefano

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