In the manner of the Creole tradesmen of Louisiana, whose lagniappe to their patrons is legendary, the Editors offer a similar bonus to readers of the Review. Instead of trifling presents added to a purchase, however, our lagniappe will be notes and documents illustrative of the evolution of business enterprise.

In the manner of the Creole tradesmen of Louisiana, whose lagniappe to their patrons is legendary, the Editor offers a similar bonus to readers of the Review. Instead of trifling presents added to a purchase, however, our lagniappe will be notes and documents illustrative of the evolution of business enterprise.

When John P. Cushing retired as head of Perkins and Co. in Canton in 1828, the American trade with China was flourishing. In the early years, the business was conducted largely by supercargoes who traveled in each individual vessel, such as the Empress of China, which arrived in Macao in 1784 and became the first American ship to trade with the Chinese. But in later years, as trade with China became increasingly important, American firms were established in China with connections in the United States, factories and agents in Canton, and fleets of several vessels at their disposal. Perkins and Co. was such a firm.