40 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
gold handled swords, a body of soldiers followed with their arms 
reversed, then their bands and gold canes, pipes, and elephants 
tails. The chief, with a small body guard under his umbrella, was 
generally supported around the waist by the hands of his favourite 
slave, whilst captains holla''d, close in his ear, his warlike deeds 
and (strong) names, w|iich were reiterated with the voices of 
Stentors by those before and behind ; the larger party of warriors 
brought up the rear. Old captains of secondary rank were carried 
on the shoulders of a strong slave ; but a more interesting sight 
was presented in the minors, or young caboceeers, many not more 
than five or six years of age, who overweighed by ornaments, were 
carried in the same manner, (under their canopies), encircled by 
all the pomp and parade of their predecessors. Amongst others, 
the grandson of Cheboo was pointed out, whom the king had. 
generously placed on the stool of his perfidious enemy. A band 
of Fetish men, or priests, wheeled round and round as they passed 
with surprising velocity. Manner was as various as ornament; 
some danced by with irresistible bufibonery, some with a gesture 
and carriage of defiance ; one distinguished caboceer performed 
the war dance before us for some minutes, with a large spear, 
which grazed us at every bound he made ; but the greater number 
passed us with order and dignity, some sUpping one sandal, some 
both, some turning round after having taken each of us by tljie 
hand ; the attendants of others knelt before them, throwing dust 
upon their heads; and the Moors, apparently, vouchsafed us a 
blessing. The king's messengers who were posted near us, with 
their long hair hanging in twists like a thrum mop, used little cere- 
mony in hurrying by this transient procession ; yet it was nearly 
S o'clock before the king approached. 
It was a beautiful star light night, and the torches which pre- 
ceded him displayed the splendor of his regalia with a chastened 
