ASHANTEE. 201 



with the court of Ashantee. This people were first men- 

 tioned, in the beginning of last century, under the name 

 of Assente or Asienti, and as constituting a great kingdom 

 in the interior, — the same that was described to Mr. Lucas, 

 at TripoU, as the uUimate destination of those caravans 

 which, proceeding from that city, measure the breadth of 

 Africa. Being separated from the maritime districts, how- 

 ever, by Aquamboc, Dinkira, and other powerful states, they 

 did not come inro contact with any European settlement. 

 It was not, indeed, till the commencement of this century 

 that these states were obliged to give way before the grow- 

 ing strength of the Ashantee empire, which at length ex- 

 tended to the borders of the Fantees, the principal people 

 on the Gold Coast. These last were ill fitted to cope with 

 such formidable neighbours. They are a turbulent, rest- 

 less tribe, and extremely prompt in giving offence, but in 

 battle they are equally cowardly and undisciplined. The 

 king of Ashantee having, not unwillingly perhaps, re- 

 ceived from them high provocation, sent, in 1808, an army 

 of 15,000 warriors, which entered their territory, and laid 

 it waste with fire and sword. At length they came to 

 Anamaboe, where the Fantees had assembled a force of 

 9000 men ; but these were routed at the first onset, and 

 put to death, except a few who sought the protection of the 

 British fort. The victors, then considering the British as 

 allies of their enemy, turned their arms against the station, 

 at that time defended by not more than twelve men. Yet 

 this gallant little band, supported by slender bulwarks, 

 completely baffled the fierce and repeated assaults made by 

 this barbarous host, who were repulsed with considerable 

 slaughter. Seized with admiration and respect for British 

 prowess, the Ashantees now made proposals for a negotia- 

 tion, which were accepted, and mutual visits were paid 

 and returned. The English ofllicers were peculiarly struck 

 with the splendid array, the dignified and courteous man- 

 ners, and even the just moral feeling, displayed by these 

 warlike strangers. They, on their side, expressed an 

 ardent desire to open a communication with the sea and 

 with the British, complaining that the turbulent Fantees 

 opposed the only obstacle to so desirable a purpose. A 

 treaty was concluded, and a thoroughly good understanding 

 teemed established between the two nations. The Ashan- 



