MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
II 
tributary to him? TJie amount of tribute, and in what articles 
paid ? The rule of succession to the throne? What are the punish- 
ments for crimes of all descriptions? Who are the persons of most 
consequence next to the King? The names of their offices, and the 
extent of their power : by whom, or how paid ? What are the most 
prominent features in the character, manners, and habits of the 
people, &c. &c. &c.? 
Are any human sacrifices made ? Upon what occasions, and to 
what extent? How are prisoners of war now disposed of? 
Of what nation are the Moors that frequent the Ashantee country, 
and for what purpose do they go there ? 
Ascertain the current medium of exchange, whether gold, or 
cowries; also the usual prices at which the Ashantees sell the 
goods they purchase from the Europeans on the sea coast; and 
the extent of their commercial relations with the Interior. 
You will enquire whether any European travellers have ever 
been seen or heard of in any of the countries to the northward ; 
and what became of them ? Whether any thing be known of the 
river Niger, or Johba, as it is called by the natives ? This informa- 
tion you will probably obtain from the Moors. 
Ascertain the position of the Doncoe country, and the city of 
Kong ; also the mountains of that name. Refer to Park's Travels, 
and acquire as much information as possible of the regions lying 
between Ashantee and the last places he visited. In short, leave 
nothing undone that may add to our present imperfect geographical 
knowledge of the Interior. 
You will receive herewith copies of certificates relative to Major 
Pedde's expedition, which you will distribute amongst any persons 
you find travelling into the Interior from Ashantee. 
It would be of the first importance to have a road cut directly 
down to Cape Coast ; and this you will urge to the King in the 
