^96 
THE WESTERN COAST. 
merly a monarchy, but being involved in domes- 
tic factions, its power was diminished, and its 
government changed to the republican form. It 
frequently, however, asserts its supremacy over 
the kingdoms on the coast ; and the king of 
Aquamboe can only avoid subjection by exciting 
civil dissensions among the Accanese. The Ac- 
canese are represented as carrying on an exten- 
mve commerce with the interior kingdoms of Af- 
lica, particularly Tonouwah, Gago, and Meczara, 
by which Muzzouk, the capital of Fezzan, seems 
to be intended. They are a bold intrepid nation, 
much esteemed as well as feared by their neigh- 
bours, for their honesty and fair-dealing in com- 
merce. The northern border of Akim extends 
to Tonouwah, denominated also Inta, Assiente, 
or Assentai, from its capital city of that name, 
which stands about eighteen days' journey from 
the Gold Coast. The inhabitants of this city are 
reported, by Mr Norris, to have often attempted, 
without success, to open a communication with 
the coast through the territories of the Fantees 
and their confederates. 
The different nations of the Gold Coast resem- 
ble the negroes of Acra and Aquamboe in their 
.manners, customs, and religious opinions. They 
all believe in one supreme God, the creator and 
preserver of all things. But in order to fix their 
ideas, they require some definite figure, and gene- 
