54 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
troops before Annamaboe, or of the critical situation of the fort ; 
that he has evinced a disposition to a sound understanding, by 
veiling every irritating retrospect, by acknowledging every con- 
ciliatory circumstance. 
We do not presume to enter our opinions into the important 
question of the King's demand of the whole of these two notes; 
we have advanced nothing but our assurance that the Governor 
will do what is right, and we have pledged our lives to convince 
the King of this ; the importance of the Mission would have claimed 
a more valuable pledge. 
Whilst we impress the surprising power and influence of the 
King, we must do him the justice to acknowledge the convincing 
manner in which he urged the injuries and forbearance which pre- 
ceded the Fantee war ; his willingness to do every thing for the 
forts, and the conduct of the Dutch Governor in giving him the 
whole of the four ounces, were impressively and ingeniously 
associated. 
To wear away suspicion, Mr. Bowdich has ceased his enquiries 
and observations for a time. The resources for intelligence of the 
Interior are infinite. Timbuctoo has been visited by most of the 
sojourners, and a mass of valuable information may be gathered 
with caution.* The ecUpses of Jupiter's satellites will be regularly 
observed by Mr. Bowdich, and the mean longitude reported; the 
want of a good watch imposes considerable trouble. 
We have reflected on what we have done, and if we are so 
unfortunate as to be visited by your and the Committee's displea- 
* " In the present suspicious state of the King's mind respecting us, I fear it would 
be impohtic to make the enquiries you ordered in your instructions, I think it will be 
more prudent to leave them to time. Mr. H. if he remains, will be able, from time to 
time, to obtain such information as they can give, without creating that suspicion which 
would certainly arise from any questions put at the present moment. I have kept Mr. 
H's hammock men, as it is yet uncertain whether he will remain." Mr. James's Dispatch. 
