66 
MISSION TO ASHANTE^;. 
Coomassie, Mai/ 28th, 1817 ' 
To THE Governor AND CoujfCiL. 
Gentlemen, 
On Sunday the King visited us at our quarters, and expressed 
much gratification with the trifles we presented him individually, 
and our solicitude in explaining some plates of botanical and 
natural history, which he sends for frequently. 
On Monday we had a public audience before the Captains, 
(whose ill-will has been acknowledged,) when two messengers were 
ordered to accompany one of ours to Cape Coast, with the letters 
to the Governor, and were impressively sworn ; they received their 
instructions in a speech from the linguist of nearly two hours; it 
seemed to be intended to conciliate the Captains at the same time. 
In the afternoon the King sent for us again, and said he wished 
to dictate a letter to the Governor. Mr. James wrote the sense of 
the King's expressions, but was obliged to leave off from indispo- 
sition. The King would not trust it out of his hands. Yesterday 
evening it was concluded, when the King proposed to make his 
mark, and insisted on repeating it in the direction. We have taken 
the pains to preserve this curious letter verbatim, which from its 
length, and our constant interruption, wx are compelled to reserve 
with many curious particulars for the General Report. 
We are anxiously waiting a summons to hand our dispatches to 
the messenger. Nine days are allowed for the journey to Cape 
Coast, and nine for the return. The whole time has been gradually 
extended, by in treaty of the Fantee messengers, from eighteen to 
thirty days. 
Mr. Hutchison is ill with a bihous attack, and several of the 
people with a fever and dysentery. The heat is very powerful 
