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1776
London Merchants trading to America and all the American
Merchants trading with Britain," said " Reclusus," "must
highly resent such a Monopoly, considered only as it effects
their private Interest" and without regard to the fact that
everyone who buys the tea will be paying tribute to the
"harpy Commissioners" and to Parliament; the newly-
appointed tea consignees " can't seriously imagine that the
Merchants will quietly see themselves excluded from a con-
siderable branch of Trade .

Word:

London merchants trading

Question:

Why would the London and American merchants resent the monopoly, according to "Reclusus"?

Answer (optional):

According to "Reclusus," London and American merchants would resent the monopoly because it would negatively affect their private interests, as it would exclude them from a considerable branch of trade, and the tea consignees would profit instead. Furthermore, those who had previously dealt in tea would be deprived of the benefits arising from that business, as the monopoly would block their access to it.