Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashantee

APPENDIX. No. I.

The Assin country lies at the rear of the Fantee, and borders on the Ashantee country. It was divided into two states: the one governed by King Cheboo and Quacoe Apoutay; and the other by King Amoo. Apoutay, although not elevated to the dignity of King, held equal sway with Cheboo; but they were each subordinate to the King of Ashantee. A man of opulence died in Amoo’s town; and, as is customary on such occasions, gold and other valuable articles were deposited with the body in the grave. On this occasion, one of Cheboo’s people was present, and seeing what was done, watched an opportunity to rob the grave; which he effected, and escaped with the treasure. Amoo his neighbour sought redress of Cheboo and Apoutay, but without success: he then laid the affair before the King of Ashantee; who summoned all the parties before him, gave them an impartial hearing, and awarded in favour of Amoo. Quacoe Apoutay was detained as a hostage until restitution should be made: but he, in a short time, contrived to make his escape, and, when at liberty, refused to accede to the award made by the King of Ashantee. On this Amoo attacked the town in which Cheboo and Apoutay resided, and routed his opponents: after this, at the instigation of the King of Ashantee, the parties met to settle the dispute; but Quacoe Apoutay acting treacherously on the occasion, sent privately to Cheboo for an armed force to support him: and a battle was the consequence, which ended in the death of the man who had committed the theft, and the total defeat of Apoutay and his forces. At this crisis the King of Ashantee, willing to bring about a peace, again interfered. He sent two gold manillas, the one to Amoo, the other to his adversary, directing them to cease all hostilities; to which both parties agreed, and took the manillas. Amoo obeyed the King; but Quacoe Apoutay attacked Amoo, and drove him in his turn from his town. Amoo, indignant at the repeated deceptions of Apoutay, obtained succours, and overthrew his treacherous opponent. The King of Ashantee still anxious to reconcile his neighbours, and unwilling to draw his sword, presented two gold swords and an axe to Amoo, and recommended him to conciliate Quacoe Apoutay, and terminate their quarrels. Amoo consented to obey the King, but in the mean time was again attacked by his implacable foe, and totally defeated, and lost in the contest the golden sword and hatchet. His opponent committed ravages wherever he came, killing messengers, and every man who fell into his hands, not sparing even the King of Ashantee’s messengers! A war with the King of Ashantee followed hereupon: Quacoe Apoutay and Cheboo dreading his vengeance, fled to the Fantee country: in consequence of which the King sent a message to Acoom, the caboceer or mayor of Assecoomah (a small state tributary to the King of Ashantee,) accompanied by a present of twenty ounces of gold; stating the necessity of his pursuing his enemies to the Fantee country, but giving assurance of the King’s pacific disposition towards the Fantees, and that his only object was to get into his possession Cheboo and Apoutay: the Fantees would not interfere, nor allow the Ashantee forces to come into their country. Upon this answer, Appey Dougah,[142] the King of Ashantee’s general, collected, by command of his master, a large force, and gave the enemy battle at Buinka in Fantee; he displayed great gallantry, and defeated the two Kings, in conjunction with the Fantee forces that had joined them. Next day Cheboo and Apoutay having rallied their forces, and formed a junction with a fresh Fantee force, gave Appey Dougah battle; but were totally defeated, with the loss of many killed and made prisoners: among the latter was Atia,[143] the caboceer of Abrah, the principal town of Fantee. A large sum was offered for his ransom, but refused; and he was committed to the care of Acoom, the caboceer of Assecoomah, in whom the King had great confidence; but this person betrayed his trust, and liberated the enemy. Quacoe Apoutay, baffled at all points, sent to the King of Ashantee to accept his conditions, provided he would discharge his debts on his return home. To this proposal the King agreed, and, in token of his friendship, sent various presents to Cheboo and Apoutay; who, instead of receiving them with gratitude, beheaded the messengers. This wicked and unprovoked act roused the indignation of the King of Ashantee, and he vowed eternal war against the aggressors. Acoom (who had been forgiven by the King for his treachery in suffering Atia to escape,) being in possession of a large quantity of provisions, was applied to by the King of Ashantee for a supply, which he with seeming cheerfulness granted: six times he delivered faithfully those that were contracted for, but, the seventh time, he betrayed about one thousand men who had been sent for them, and sold them in March or April, 1806. In consequence of this conduct Acoom became involved in the war: very shortly afterwards the King of Ashantee defeated him, and made rapid progress with his army towards the coast in search of Cheboo and Apoutay. The Fantees opposed his march, but were defeated in every onset, and the Braffoes were nearly extirpated by the Ashantees in their march. The Annamaboes, instigated by the remaining Braffoes, were impudent enough to receive and protect Cheboo and Apoutay; which proved fatal to them. At this period the Governor of Cape Coast Castle, being under some apprehension for the safety of the British settlements, was inclined to send a flag of truce with a message to the King of Ashantee, who was now (May, 1806) at Abrah, and only fifteen or twenty miles from the coast. The Annamaboes (who were consulted on the measure) objected to it, and the design was consequently suspended. The Governor was anxious to know upon what terms the King would consider the British, and wished to become a mediator; but the Annamaboes, who placed a vain dependence on their name and strength, fully expected that the King and his army would be conquered; and that if not the whole, the greater part of the army would fall into their hands; and hence were not disposed to pacific measures, nor would they permit the Governor’s messenger to proceed inland. Shortly after this, a division of the Ashantee army made its appearance at Cormantine, and routing the inhabitants from the town, completely destroyed it. The captain of this division contrived to get into the Dutch fort, and having pillaged it of a number of articles, took up his residence there. It was now time to become acquainted with the King’s intentions; and for that purpose the Governor of Annamaboe fort sent a messenger with a flag of truce to the commander of this division, intimating a wish to be acquainted with the King’s motives for marching an army to the coast, and proposing himself as a mediator. This message, we may suppose, was conveyed to the King; and on the following day three men were observed coming from Cormantine with a white flag displayed, and (Mr. White) the Governor, expected they were the bearers of some agreeable and satisfactory intelligence: in this however he was much disappointed; for the commander of that division of the Ashantee army being in possession of fort Amsterdam, was elated with his success, particularly in getting to the sea side; (a circumstance which inspired him with such joy, that he went to the beach and dipped his sword three times in the sea, some of which he had conveyed to the King as a proof of his success:)—whether those circumstances stimulated him to try the disposition of the English chief, we know not; but the message he sent, imported a degree of haughtiness by no means agreeable to Mr. White, and was to this effect: that when the Governor would send him twenty barrels of gunpowder, and one hundred muskets, he would be told what the King’s designs were. To comply with this demand would be acknowledging too much submission, and would doubtless give the King a very indifferent opinion of the British character. Mr. White behaved politely to the people, gave them some refreshment, and told them that he regretted that the King, or their master, did not appear inclined to come to an explanation, or to conciliate matters: that if the King would point out in what manner the Annamaboes had offended, he would use his authority to have satisfaction given: that until he was assured of their having transgressed, or having injured his Majesty, they were entitled to the protection of the fort, if they sought for it: and that, finally, if the King’s army should come with any hostile intentions near the fort, it would be fired upon.

After this two or three of the heavy guns were fired with shot, for the purpose of giving them an idea of the destructive power of artillery; and they were preparing to depart, when private information was received, that the flag of truce would be violated in its return, and the men murdered. Whereupon Mr. White and Mr. Wilson (a gentleman not in the service,) escorted them, and left them in safety within a short distance from their quarters. The Governor now anxiously looked for a definitive reply from the King, and every assiduity was used to place things in a defensive position; and the towns-people having heretofore placed a firm reliance on their strength, became alarmed, and were solicitous to be assured of the Governor’s protection. Mr. White informed them, that if the King of Ashantee intended to attack the town, he would give them all the assistance and protection in his power; at the same time advised them of the most prudent measures to be employed for their safety and defence. He instructed them, in the first instance, to have strong parties on the look-out, and to guard every avenue leading into the town; and, on the first alarm, or approach of the enemy, to send the old men, women, and children to the fort, where they would be received; and as many as the fort would not accommodate, to come close to the walls, where they would be under the protection of the guns.

At this crisis Mr. White and the inhabitants of the town were ignorant as to the strength of the Ashantee forces, and had but an imperfect idea of the bravery and intrepidity of the men who composed the King’s army. It was supposed that the Ashantees partook of the dispositions of the natives on the coast, who in general cannot stand against a regular and determined fire, and often creep into some concealed hole, when cannon or musket shot are heard to whiz among them; or, if the Ashantees were superior, it was little imagined that their courage, or ardour for conquest, would carry them to the very muzzles of the guns, and consequently expose them to inevitable destruction.

About a week had elapsed, and no news from the King; which was no favourable indication of pacific measures. The commander of the division at Cormantine, and who proved to be the King of Dinkara, sent forward a party to ascertain the strength of the town of Annamaboe, and succeeded in gaining possession of a village called Agah, situated upon a point of land about one mile eastward from Annamaboe; whence every movement of the Annamaboes on that side could be observed. This was considered an annoyance, and on the 14th of June a strong body (indeed almost the whole of the town’s people) marched out for the purpose of dislodging the Ashantees. The action was clearly seen from the fort. The Annamaboes were received in the most gallant and spirited manner by nearly a third of their force, and for some time the contest was doubtful. The Ashantees fired with more regularity than could be expected, and their muskets were well directed; whereas the Fantees kept up a confused fire without taking aim; they however succeeded, and the Ashantees retreated in excellent order, keeping possession of part of the village which lay concealed in a valley, and where the Annamaboes did not think proper to proceed. The Annamaboes were either too confident of their strong position, or thought too insignificantly of their opponents, to attend to the advice given them by Mr. White; for while they were amused by this small party, the King, with the main body, was vigilant in securing the different passes leading to the town, and was at this time only three miles to the rear of it.

Early on the 15th those who were on the look-out observed the Ashantee army in motion: the alarm was given, and every man who was able to carry a musket, repaired to meet the enemy. As the town was situated at the rear of the fort, and extended some distance inland, no prospect of the contending parties could be obtained; smoke was seen to arise from different parts of the surrounding country, and heavy discharges of musketry were distinctly heard. Alarm and confusion now prevailed throughout the town, and the women, children, and old men, made the best of their way to the fort, the area of which they soon filled, after which the gates were closed. The volleys of musketry were advancing very fast, and the Fantees were retreating in great disorder: one or two great guns were fired over the town with a view to impel terror on the assailants, but they were too much elated with hopes of conquest, and too resolute to be affrighted: about eleven o’clock the musket balls were heard to whistle in every part of the fort, and the Ashantees entered the town in every direction, pursuing the vanquished to the beach, where the slaughter was great.

The Annamaboes conceived, that with the aid of their canoes and their knowledge of swimming, they should be able to escape, but they were pursued too closely by the Ashantees, whose fury appeared to be insatiable; men, women, and children were followed by indiscriminate destruction. During this work of carnage, the Governor was very active with his small garrison to repel the assailants; a twenty-four pounder, that pointed along the beach to the westward, several times discharged grape-shot among them, whereby vast numbers must have fallen: a three-pounder likewise, which flanked the gate on the east side was frequently fired with grape, notwithstanding fresh parties came on much quicker than they could be repelled; and at length they came under the walls for the purpose of carrying away the women who could not be received into the fort. About this period the Governor[144] was wounded in two places; one ball struck his mouth and carried away four of his teeth, another ball passed through his left arm; and nearly at the same time an officer and two men were wounded, and one man killed.

Things assumed now a more serious and dangerous aspect than was apprehended, and gave the garrison a strong assurance of the disposition of the enemy, who, it was evident, intended to bend his utmost efforts against the fort. The Ashantees were confident that by gaining possession of it, a large booty would be obtained. However, the small number which composed the garrison of Annamaboe at this period, consisting of Governor White, Messieurs Meredith, Swanzy, Smith, and Baines; also four free mulattoes and twenty men, including soldiers, artificers, and servants, were confident of the severity of their situation. The walls being high, and accurately flanked, and the gates sound and well barricadoed; the Governor, from the nature of his wounds, from great debility in consequence of much effusion of blood, being constrained to retire, and the command of the fort having devolved on the senior officer, who perceiving that the cannon in one quarter could not be used with effect, for the enemy fired with such precision as to cut off every man who was exposed at an embrasure, depended solely on the musket; and another man having been killed about noon, and two more wounded:—the garrison was now reduced to the small number of eight, including officers, who could be depended upon, and the Ashantees were using every effort to force the western gate; but were twice repulsed with no small loss. A third time they attempted it, and endeavoured to apply fire to the gate; but the man who brought the materials for that purpose, extinguished the fire by falling a corpse upon it. In all their attempts they were defeated with musketry alone, and notwithstanding that their efforts to gain an entrance into the fort proved ineffectual, the contest was continued till six o’clock. After this cessation, and before total darkness came on, the garrison used all possible energy in repairing injuries, and preparing for the defensive, in case of hostilities being renewed in the night.

On the following day a scene replete with the horrors of war exhibited itself:—heaps of dead and wounded around the walls, and for a mile along the eastern shore, tossed about by a violent surf:—houses unroofed, and others on fire:—the sorrowful countenances of the old men, who sought refuge in the fort; the mournful lamentations of the women, and the pitiable cries of the children, presented a picture of exquisite feeling and of the greatest distress! Of the number the town contained, and which we will calculate to have been at least fifteen thousand souls, we may suppose that two-thirds of that number perished. The fort afforded refuge to about two thousand of every description, and about two hundred escaped to a rock surrounded by the sea, and at pistol-shot from the beach, where they remained unmolested, and notwitstanding the vigilance of the Ashantees, we may suppose that two or three thousand effected their escape. Without going into further enquiry, we may venture to state that eight thousand Fantees were destroyed; and although they were attacked by at least three times their number, yet if they were actuated by one-third of the bravery of their opponents, they would have committed some execution, and doubtless would have checked that intrepidity and ardour which were so pre-eminently conspicuous in their enemy. Their resistance was very feeble; terror seized them at the commencement of the attack, and it impressed them so forcibly, that the sea formed but an indifferent barrier to their precipitate flight.

When the fury of the Ashantees against the Fantees was a little diminished, they turned part of their force against the fort with great coolness and resolution, advancing with shouts expressive of their loyalty and courage, to the very muzzles of the guns. At the east side of the fort, two three pounders, which were well served, destroyed numbers of them with every discharge of grape: but at the west side, the cannon which flanked the gate could not be rendered useful, in consequence of advantages the enemy possessed, and which were not to be found on the opposite quarter, where the musket alone was to be dependended upon: and we have the authority of the gentleman who commanded (after Mr. White was wounded) of stating, that he and another officer (Mr. Swanzy) fired nearly three hundred rounds of ball-cartridge in keeping the gate clear, and protecting those who were under the walls. Mr. Swanzy was so injured with the recoil of his musket, that he could not use his right arm for some days without much pain, and the other officer (Mr. Meredith) was nearly in the same state.

What loss the Ashantees sustained cannot be precisely laid down: the King, prior to his departure from Annamaboe, said, he lost three thousand men: but in that number he probably included those who were carried off by disease. His men however suffered very severely; for their approach was made with such large bodies, that twenty, thirty, or perhaps more, fell with every discharge of grape-shot; and the musket not only killed, but very often wounded at the same time, so close were the enemy.

At this period (the 16th of June,) the fort was in an awkward state,—completely blockaded on the land-side, and a very imperfect communication by sea, and only a few weeks provisions for the number it contained; add to which, the effluvia from the dead bodies, which were approaching fast to a putrid state, excited very uneasy apprehensions. These circumstances demanded some extraordinary effort, which the garrison, from its weakness, could not attempt. Every person, from great exertion and constant exposure to a vertical sun on the 15th, and from solicitude and want of rest, was much fatigued. Nevertheless things wore a more promising appearance; whenever plunder was attempted, which now and then was the case, it met with resistance. There was not, however, any desire manifested by the Ashantees to renew hostilities, and every motion indicated a wish for peace. The garrison too was very desirous of such an event, but did not wish to be the first to yield, or to offer any terms without orders from the chief-governor. The King, from his late successes, had a high opinion of his power and the bravery of his army. On the other hand the small garrison, notwithstanding its reduced state, had no mean opinion of itself, and wished to confirm in his Majesty an idea of the superior skill of Europeans.

The Governor at Cape Coast was apprised of the state of affairs at Annamaboe, and lost no time in sending assistance. Two ships were provided for the purpose, which sailed from the Cape on the morning of the 16th: but, from unavoidable circumstances, the re-inforcement the ships brought could not be landed before four o’clock in the afternoon. This re-inforcement consisted of twelve men and four officers; and their arrival in the fort afforded much satisfaction. This party was landed under cover of the smoke of some heavy guns, and was not fired at; but the canoe, on returning, was fired upon and one man wounded. It was the Governor’s order that a flag of truce should be sent to the King, to endeavour to bring about an amicable understanding. A white flag was accordingly lowered over the wall, accompanied with the national colours; and when the emblem of peace was observed, it is impossible to express sufficiently the joy that diffused itself among the people: the multitude which crowded around the flags was inconceivably great, and it was with difficulty that the King’s officers, who were known by golden swords and axes, could clear the way leading to his quarters: the air resounded with acclamations in praise of their King, and expressive of their satisfaction at the prospects of peace.

And here we cannot forbear remarking, that although the Ashantees are so remote from polished or civilized nations, they seem not to be unacquainted with the customs of a civilized people, as they are connected with the rules of war; for they paid every respect to the flag of truce: a few indeed of them were making towards the rock on which were a number of Fantees, but they well understood the signal of recall, when a musket or two were fired over their heads. The flag of truce returned about seven o’clock, with three messengers from the King; and they, in order to justify the King for his proceedings against the Fantees, entered into a long detail of the origin of the war, which we have been attempting to describe. The King was pleased that the flag of truce was sent, and expressed his satisfaction by giving the two soldiers who were the bearers of it a fat sheep. After a conference that continued beyond two hours, the messengers departed.

A communication was thus established with the King and his army; but it was considered prudent to keep the gates closed until a perfect understanding was effected. It appeared, however, that this could not be done, without a meeting between the chief Governor and the King. To accomplish this Mr. Meredith tried to persuade the King to go to Cape Coast, but in this he was disappointed; he however gained his Majesty’s consent to send some of his confidential and chief men to wait upon the Governor, and to hear his sentiments.

It will, we doubt not, be gratifying to the reader, if we here subjoin the correspondence between Mr. Meredith and Mr. Torrane, the Governor in Chief, on this occasion.

Annamaboe Fort, June 17, 1807.

Sir,

Mr. White directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to the Governor of Elmina. The state Mr. White is in, being much weakened with loss of blood and other causes, prevented him paying that attention to your letters which they demanded, and my duty was such, that I could not spare a moment to write you fully. I had a conference with three of the King’s messengers last night, and at this instant there are two men with his Majesty; when they return, you shall be acquainted with the result. I have already mentioned to the King that Cheboo would be given up, and if it was agreeable for him to send his cane, and one or two of his gold-headed swords, I would engage their security by going to Cape Coast with them. The message received from the King was of a favourable tendency; and I trust he will perceive the expediency of putting an end to this sanguinary war. Be assured we are all so employed on various duties, it debars me more particularly of giving you a further detail of our proceedings. But I trust, by a messenger this evening, to relate fully every circumstance attending this very severe contest. The party were landed in safety, viz. twelve privates, one corporal, with Messrs. Bold, Galloway, and Woolbert. Both ships will remain here until to-morrow. I am well pleased with the attention and assistance afforded us by Captain Coley.

I am, &c.

Henry Meredith.

Annamaboe Fort, June 17, 1807.

Sir,

I wrote you this morning, acknowledging the receipt of your letters, and, agreeably to my intentions then, I take the liberty of stating more particularly the occurrences in this garrison on the 15th and subsequent to it. I beg leave to remind you, that we were prepared for any attack that might be made upon us, by any body of men unaccustomed to the shock of artillery; and I believe Mr. White assured you of the confidence he placed in the officers and men under his command, and every soul was animated with a desire to do his duty.

[Here follows a description of the battle as before related.]

The re-inforcement you was pleased to send, got on shore without any opposition about four o’clock P.M.; and I assure you we were very glad to receive them, as, from the severe duty we had undergone the preceding day, we were much cut up by fatigue. About six P.M. the flag of truce, with a corporal and private from the detachment you sent, were conveyed to the King; and as they proceeded, they were warmly greeted by the Ashantees. The message the King returned was modest; he said, it was not his intention to commence hostilities with the fort, nor to distress any of the whites; his enemies were the Assins and Fantees, and he now conceived his anger against them pretty well assuaged. This morning (17th) according to agreement, his messengers came, and said, that the King wished to see the same person that conveyed the flag of truce, that they might hear from his own lips what he had to deliver. Accordingly I sent them with Dutton, a man of quick understanding, to hear more particularly the sentiments of his Majesty. After remaining some time hearing the opinion of his counsellors they returned, and after some preliminary discourse, they informed me that the King had deputed six of his principal men, with six deputed by the men of power in his train, to repair to Cape Coast to hear what you have to say, and to negotiate. In course of their communication the King deplored the number of lives that were lost in consequence of the fire from the fort.

As the messengers mean to repair to Cape Coast, I will forbear relating every particular. The King seemed to say that he must have those who sought protection in the fort: this he only hinted at, and probably the same may be hinted to you; but in giving them up, we ought to be assured of their being used kindly. I send a canoe with this, and have agreed with the messengers, that you will send canoes and a guard for their protection. Mr. White’s travelling canoe is in good order, therefore be pleased to send eleven canoe-men for her. This canoe, with three more from the Cape, will, in my opinion, be fully sufficient to convey the whole twelve messengers with their guard. The number of persons here are reducing our provisions very fast, and if not removed soon, some of them will be most likely starved, or will be the cause of some serious malady: the sooner we are rid of them the better. But if you can gain their protection, it will be a humane act. Mr. White, who I am happy to say is in a fair way, desires his respects.

I am, &c.

Sir,

Both your letters of yesterday’s date I have received; the latter has given me particular satisfaction, not only as it affords every prospect that this war will be terminated, but also as it removes great anxiety from my mind respecting the state of Mr. White’s wounds. The assurances you now give me that he is in a fair way of recovery, are highly gratifying. I dispatch eleven canoe-men for Mr. White’s canoe; and I also send three other canoes. I trust the King will appoint persons of sufficient consequence to negotiate with me: I have an earnest wish to see the King: make this desire known to him; tell him I think it may essentially lead to the arrangement of affairs of much importance; that I have greatly to deplore with him this war; that although these events cannot always be guarded against, they may even ultimately bring future good consequences; and herein I think much depends on our meeting. Assure the King, that notwithstanding the steps I have taken to give protection to the Fantees, I have ever held him in the highest respect, from the many reports I have heard of him, and that, had I seen any messenger from him antecedent to his attack on Annamaboe, I am of opinion we should have avoided the blow in that quarter. The King I understand to be a man of strong mind: it will naturally suggest itself to him, that a meeting between us may be of vast importance to the country. Assure him I have too high a consideration for my own character, as well as his consequence, to suffer the smallest indignity to be offered to him; that if he will come to the castle I shall be proud to shew him every honour, and that I will give every possible security for his personal safety. I have apartments ready for him, and officers shall be sent to attend him here. On receipt of this, send your accustomed messenger to the King, saying, that you have a letter from me, and that an officer will wait personally on him to explain the contents. This officer with this letter in his hand, you will send (say Mr. F. L. Swanzy) as early as you shall receive the King’s reply. I know not whether you have a good flag for the occasion; I therefore send one. Mr. F. L. Swanzy will have two flag-bearers, one with a white flag, the other carrying the union; and he will be very particular in explaining every part of this letter, and do his utmost to persuade the King to visit the Cape. He may also add, that a ship can be procured, if he (the King) prefers coming that way, and that an officer of distinction shall be sent to accompany him. In a few words, Mr. F. L. Swanzy will do his utmost to persuade the King to visit the castle. An officer should come here, with the guard you send to protect the messengers. You must let me know of what consequence the messengers are, that I may treat them accordingly, and this it will be advisable to acquaint me of before their arrival.

I am, &c.

To Henry Meredith, Esq.

Although these men proceeded to the Cape, it was found that nothing important could be transacted without an interview with the King, and for this purpose Colonel Torrane was obliged to go to Annamaboe, and a day was fixed for a conference. To give as favourable and as respectable an opinion as possible of the British, a number of articles as presents were sent to the King, and as many officers and soldiers as the service could afford, were assembled to attend the Governor on the day appointed; but previous to those preparations, and a few days after the flag of truce was received by the King, Cheboo (one of the men who was the cause of the war) was secured by the Governor at Cape Coast and sent to Annamaboe, to be delivered up to the King, in expectation that any further effusion of blood would be prevented, and that it would be the means of saving the Fantees from entire destruction. These benevolent purposes were not realized: the King had proceeded so far in the war, that he could not recede without displeasing those auxiliaries he had with him, and who expected a vast deal of plunder; and besides, Apoutay and Acoom were again in arms, and collecting all the Fantees they could to oppose the King’s progress. On the day appointed for the interview, the Governor and his party were put in motion, and although the procession was not very numerous, it was arranged with taste, and made no despicable appearance. About twenty of the Company’s artificers, habited in a neat manner, marched in front; a guard of forty men, and a band of music followed them; next walked the Governor, followed by ten officers, two and two, and some gentlemen traders (who were enticed from the Cape by curiosity), brought up the rear. When the procession had got a short distance it was met by a principal man, who was sent by the King to conduct the Governor, and to keep off the multitude, which was assembling in great numbers, some of whom had never seen a white man. Notwithstanding the authority of this person, and the exertions of his attendants, the curiosity of the people was so great that every avenue was crowded; which, by preventing the circulation of air, augmented the natural heat of the day, and this inconvenience was farther increased by the putrid smell from the dead bodies, and the vast swarm of flies. The Governor was obliged to visit each man of rank, before he could be received by the King; a ceremony that could not be prudently denied, and which occupied some time: for those men had their several courts, and collectively had formed an extensive circle. Every one of them was seated under a huge umbrella, surrounded by attendants and guards, with young persons employed in fanning the air and dispersing the flies, which were numerous and troublesome. One of those men and his attendants excited some curiosity and attention: his dress and appearance were so different from those of the others, that it evidently proved he must have come from countries situated a considerable distance inland. He was a tall, athletic, and rather corpulent man, of a complexion resembling an Arab or an Egyptian. His dress was heavy, and by no means adapted to the climate. He wore a cap that came down below his ears, and being made of yellow cloth, it did not contribute to diminish his tawny complexion. He was a follower of the Mohammedan religion, possessed much gravity; but was communicative, condescending, and agreeable. He had about him a great number of sentences from the Alkoran, which were carefully incased in gold and silver, and upon which he set a high value. He was a native of Kassina, a country that appears to be situated to the south of east from Tombuctou. He said he had been at Tunis and at Mecca; had seen many white men and ships, and described the method of travelling over the great desert. This person commanded a body of men who fought with arrows, as well as muskets: four of the arrows were found in the fort; they were short and pointed with barbed iron. He had many persons in his train who were of the same colour, but varied a little as to dress: they were all habited in the Turkish manner, but did not wear turbans. After the ceremony of visiting those persons was over, the Governor was conducted towards the King, who was surrounded by a number of attendants, whose appearance bore evident signs of riches and authority: chains, stools, axes, swords, flutes, message-canes, &c. were either of solid gold, or richly adorned with that metal: those dazzling appearances, added to damask, taffety, and other rich dresses, gave a splendour to the scene highly interesting. When the Governor approached the King, and when an interchange of compliments had passed, the air resounded with the noise of musical instruments, such as drums, horns, and flutes. After some conversation, during which much politeness was observed in the behaviour of the King, the Governor wished this ceremonial visit to be returned; which was agreed to, and a convenient place was found to receive the King and his train. The Governor, his officers, and attendants, were formed in a half-circle, and seated under the shade of some trees, and a passage of sufficient breadth was formed by the soldiers for the King and his attendants to pass through. It was full two hours before his Majesty was announced, so numerous was his train. Each man of rank, as he advanced, paid the necessary compliments agreeably to the custom of his country, and then filed off. It was previously directed, that the King should be received with arms presented and the grenadiers march when passing the soldiers. This mark of distinction and respect appeared to give him much satisfaction: he halted to observe the orderly behaviour and uniform appearance of the soldiers; and the martial air that was playing, seemed to produce the most agreeable sensations on his mind. The writer had an opportunity of seeing this man. He was of the middle size, well formed, and perfectly black, with regular features and an open and pleasing countenance. His manner indicated understanding and was adorned with gracefulness; and in all respects he exceeded the expectations of every person. His dress was plain: it consisted of a piece of silk wrapt loosely about him; a wreath of green silk ornamented his head: his sandals were neatly made, and curiously studded with gold. He was not distinguished by any gold ornaments, as his attendants were. One man who was dressed in a grotesque manner, and who appeared to act the buffoon, was, literally, loaded with gold.

As this was a visit of ceremony, no business of consequence was transacted. The King politely enquired after Mr. White, and expressed a hope that he would soon be well of his wounds. He said he would move from Annamaboe soon, as his army felt ill effects from the water, and from the dead bodies. After this visit, every confidence was placed in the King and his army, and as the gates were now opened, a free admittance was allowed: various conferences of a favourable nature were carried on between both parties; but peace with the Fantees was considered impracticable. Apoutay had escaped the King’s vigilance; and Acoom was at the head of a strong party, and marching towards Annamaboe to give the King battle. The King assured the Governor, that after he had subdued his enemies to leeward, he would return to Annamaboe for the purpose of making arrangements relative to the future welfare of the country, and the regulations of trade.

It was agreed, that those residing under British forts, provided they observed a neutrality, should not be molested, and that every respect should be paid to the British flag. The Governor likewise procured the release of those who sought refuge in the fort, although the King contested his right to them; for this reason, that as he destroyed the town, he had a claim to every person and to every thing belonging to it. On report of Acoom being in arms and making preparations to attack the Ashantees, the King ordered his army to collect and march to meet him. Two days subsequent to the King’s departure (3d July,) Acoom’s party and the advanced guard of the Ashantee’s met; a battle was the consequence, which ended in the defeat of Acoom, who, with his party, would have been cut off, if a river, that was in their rear, had not favoured their flight; the fordable parts of which were known to them, but not to the Ashantees. After this defeat, the King’s enemies dared not shew themselves in the field in any force; they however supported a kind of predatory warfare, and were sometimes successful in cutting off small foraging parties. As the Ashantees proceeded to leeward, desolation accompanied them; almost every town and village were laid in ruins; but disease, which got among them at Annamaboe, and which spread rapidly, carried off vast numbers. This unexpected calamity altered the King’s intentions: he could not return to Annamaboe without risking the loss of his whole army; prudence therefore directed him to face towards his kingdom, leaving at Accra a sufficient force to dispose of prisoners, and to convey them in safety to Ashantee.

Cheboo and Apoutay, who appeared inseparable friends at the commencement of this war, and throughout it, fled to Cape Coast with about five hundred followers, as soon as they perceived the Ashantees approaching towards Annamaboe, on the 15th of June. The Cape Coast people were willing to afford them protection and assistance, but when the Governor heard how things were at Annamaboe, he warned them of the danger, and advised them to be neutral. When an account arrived at Cape Coast of the desperate attack made on Annamaboe fort, the Governor came to the resolution of securing, if possible, both these men, and delivering them up to the King as the most probable means of not only putting an end to the war, but of securing the King’s friendship. A party was accordingly selected for that purpose; but Apoutay, after a warm contest, wherein some were killed on both sides, effected his escape. Cheboo was not so fortunate; he was secured and sent to the King, as we have already mentioned; his followers too made a precipitate flight, leaving behind them some bulky articles, among which were the whole of Cheboo’s regalia, which were carefully lodged for the King; and it had the effect on his disposition that was intended; it gave a favourable opinion of the British, and assured him of the Governor’s friendship, and at the same time it abated the desire he encouraged, to be revenged for the loss his army had sustained on the 15th. For he concerted a design to attempt the fort by storm, and Wednesday the 17th was the day appointed for this enterprise. The plan was not badly arranged; and was to be conducted in the following manner. Six thousand men were to be selected; half of them destined not only to mount the walls, but to apply a quantity of gunpowder under them; the explosion from which was expected to shake the fort very much, and likewise to create such a confusion within as to cause the garrison to be off its guard; the other half were to keep up a continued firing. The plan was averted by the prudent policy of the Chief Governor, not only by his securing Cheboo, but by his alacrity in demanding a truce, whereby the King’s resentment was cooled, and his inclinations diverted towards pacific measures.

APPENDIX. No. II.

I have sent the original MS. to the African Association, the following is Mr. Jackson’s transcript of it. I regret that Mr. Salamé did not also furnish a transcript of this MS.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

هذه الوثيقه خرج من بلد حوسا يقال يَور ونحن راينا الامر لم نري ولانسمع في البحر الذي يقال كوض انما نحن جلسنا نسمع صاخ صبيان لرايت السفينه لم نري مثله قط فارسل سلطان يَور لرايته مع البقر والكبس مع انواع الطعام كثيرِ هما رجلان وامراة واحدة والعبدان وعقدان في السفينة رجلان بيضان خرجوا من نسب نصري ويدعوهو سلطان يور الي ان خرجوا اليه وابوا خروج ومشوا الي بلد بسا وهوا كبر من سلطان يور وهم يجلسون ويعلكون ملوك علي راس كُوض ويصاخور اهل سلطان بُسا لرايته وهم ركوب في السفينة بلغ السفينة راس جبل وياخد الجبل السفينة ورجال بُسا والنساه بسا يجمعون كلهم مع انواع السلاح والسفينة لم يجد طريق المنع الجبل ورجل الدي في السفينة قتل امراته ورمي ماله كله في البحر ورموا نفسهما في البحر لخوف ثم ياخدوا بلغ خبر الي سلطان واوي حتي بلغ ماه به الي بلد كنجي بلد سلطان وَاوَيَ ودفنه في قرابه وواحد منهما لم نره اقل في قهر الماه والله اعلم صح في فَم شريف اِبراهيم * تمت*