ASHANTEE* 
317 
chiefly marked by the decline of the power of 
Aqiiamboe, which, instead of ruling over all the 
neighbouring states, now scarcely maintains its 
own independence. The predominance is at pre- 
sent indisputably possessed by Ashantee, a power 
which was barely heard of by the early travellers 
under the name of Asiente. It appears to be 
situated two or three hundred miles in the inte- 
rior from the sea-coast ; the capital is reported by 
Governor Dawson* to be four hundred miles 
from Accra. Every account represents the coun- 
try to be fertile, extensive, and populous. The 
number of people is clearly attested by the large 
armies which the king brings into the field. Mr 
Dawson conceived that, in case of emergency, he 
could assemble 150,000 men. Most of the com- 
modities, gold, ivory, palm-oil, &c. which form 
the objects of trade upon the Gold Coast, are 
brought down from the Ashantee territory. Zey 
Coomah, the king, has been seized with an ardent 
desire to open a communication with the sea, and 
with the British ; but his subjects are liable to be 
obstructed and maltreated by the turbulent tribe 
of Fantees, who occupy the intermediate space* 
This has necessarily given rise to quarrels, which 
have terminated in war. The king of Ashantee 
* Report of Select Committee on the African Forts, (29tli 
June 1816), p. 192. 
