MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 67 
here, but Mr. Bowdich and Mr. Tedlie continue in excellent 
health. 
We would recommend the sending up a common green silk 
umbrella, and a Company's dirk, as presents to the King's favou- 
rite nephew. 
Our confinement to the house is rather irksome ; we are not 
allowed to walk in the town without Captains accompanying us. 
12 o'clock. The King sent to say Mr. Bowdich must come to 
the palace, and mount the chief captain's horse, and shew him 
how Enghshmen ride. Mr. Bowdich went, and by the King's 
desire gallopped up and down the opposite hill. The King ex- 
pressed great anxiety when the horse was made to play his tricks ; 
and when Mr. Bowdich persevered, and made him gallop back 
and ahghted, the King sent him word that " he rode hke a proper 
man, that he stayed on the horse well, and made him do proper." 
4 o'clock. The King sent for us at two, to make some additions 
to the letter, and to seal it in his presence. A long prayer was 
uttered by a Moor after the sealing of the letter, and we were 
called back to be again impressed with the example and justice of 
the Dutch as regards the books. Mr. Hutchison's illness pre- 
vented his attendance to day. The messengers are to go to night. 
May 29th, 3 p. m. The messengers and the Fantee bearers, 
have been delayed in consequence of the death of a person of 
rank, and their assistance in the custom. I am now assured that 
they will leave Coomassie at 4 o'clock. 
In reply to the request we urged to Mr. James, that he would 
dismiss our hammock men, as they had been of so little service to 
us in coming up, and were a considerable expense ; he impressed 
that it would be contrary to your instructions. 
Only one message from the King to day, and that a private one 
to Mr. Bowdich, with permission for him to ride: he went all 
