MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
43 
At Dadasey, on Wednesday the 14th instant, we received a 
present from the King, of two ounces of gold, a sheep, and thirty 
yams, with a second appointment to enter his capital the succeed- 
ing Monday. When within a short distance, the messenger who 
announced us, returned, to desire us to wait at a croom until the 
King had washed. We were permitted to enter soon after two 
o'clock, and the King received us with the most encouraging 
courtesy, and the most flattering distinction. We paid our respects 
in turn, (passing along a surprising extent of line) to the principal 
caboceers, many of remote, and several of Moorish territories; 
and all of these encircled by retinues astonishing to us from their 
numbers, order, and decorations. We were then requested to 
remove to a distant tree to receive their salutes ; which procession, 
though simply transient, continued until past eight o'clock. It 
was indescribably imposing from the variety, magnificence, and 
etiquette : its faint oudine in Mr. Bowdich's report, will impart our 
impression of the power and influence of the monarch we are sent 
to conciliate. The King as he passed, repeated his former con- 
descensions. 
The next morning (Tuesday) the King sent to us to come and 
speak our palaver in the market place, that all the people might 
hear it : we found him encircled by the most splendid insignia, and 
surrounded by his caboceers : we were received graciously. Mr. 
James, through his linguist, declared to the King's, (who are alone 
allowed to speak to him in public) that the objects of the Mission 
were friendship and commerce ; impressed the consequence of our 
nation, and the good feelings of the Committee and Governor 
towards the King, as would be testified by our presents ; he sub- 
mitted the wish of a Residency, and of a direct path. The King 
enquired if we were to settle the Commenda palaver ; the reply 
was, no ! He rejoined," that he wished the Governor of Cape Coast 
