6 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
endeavour to obtain the fullest information of the countries beyond, 
in each direction; particularly whether any high mountains, lakes, 
or large rivers are known; and the width, depth, course, and 
direction of the latter ; and whether the water, as well of the lakes 
as the rivers, is salt or fresh : and how far, and under what cir- 
cumstances, white men may travel with safety, especially in a 
northerly direction. They should collect the most accurate infor- 
mation possible of the extent, population, and resources of the 
Ashantee dominions, and should report fully their opinion of the 
inhabitants, and of the progress they may have made in the arts 
of civihzed life. They should be directed also, to procure and 
bring away (with the consent of the chiefs) any specimens of 
vegetable and mineral productions they may be able : and to 
ascertain where and how the natives collect the gold, and the 
extent to which the trade in that article, and in ivory, might be 
carried on. It would, we conceive, be a most important advan- 
tage, if the King of Ashantee, and some of his chiefs, could be 
prevailed upon to send one or more of their children to the Cape, 
to be educated at the expense of the Committee (to be attended 
by their own servants, if required), under the guarantee of the 
Governor and Council for their personal safety, and that they 
should be sent back when required. 
" Another great object would be, to prevail upon the King to 
form, and keep open, a path not less than six feet wide, from his 
capital, as far as his territories extend towards Cape Coast, you 
engaging on the part of the Committee, to continue it from that 
point to Cape Coast, which we presume may be done at a very 
small expense, by means of monthly allowances to the chiefs of 
such villages as be in that line ; upon condition that they shall not 
allow the path to be overgrown with underwood, or otherwise 
obstructed. 
