[BroJoeK]

Colorado tanker: ** "Brits are fighting to make China safe and secure for their opium trade." **

Ah, the Second Opium War, seems Brits have asked Americans to get involved, which we declined, we're neutral.
But we do seem to pop up now and then at moments convenient to the Brits.
One of our ships is in the area now, could play some role at Taku Forts near Bejing in the future.
You might have heard of her?
USS Powhattan:

[BroJoeK]

And now that I think of it, there's a certain Dutch American who has already earned a fortune by trading Opium in China, now retired.
But I wonder if economic collapse might cause him enough hardship to force his return to China, soon.

You might remember him?

Warren Delano, Jr.

Who does he remind us of?

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Per my recent reading Powhatan will be the most powerful ship in the U.S. Navy in 1860. Her CO will receive conflicting orders and the mix-up will have her deploying to Florida when her presence was really required in Charleston Harbor to assist in a resupply operation for the Ft. Sumter garrison.