MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
your expenses ; sliould any loan have been granted by the King, 
you will of course repay hhn. 
I send you a piece of mushn and 10 danes for presents to the 
Moors, whose friendship it will be highly necessary to conciliate. 
I have also at your request, sent a dirk and umbrella, intended for 
the King's chief captain and his favourite nephew. 
Quamina, the Ashantee captain at Abrah, has refused to allow 
any letters to pass that place which may be given in charge to 
Ashantee traders, on the plea that by so doing he would incur 
the displeasure of the King ; who, he says, expects that especial 
messengers will be engaged here to proceed with all letters to ihe 
capital. Not long ago a trader who had received a letter, was 
detained by him at Abrah, and the letter returned. The expense 
of employing messengers here on every occasion would be material, 
which is quite unnecessary, as opportunities almost daily occur for 
forwarding letters by the different traders going from hence. I 
therefore hope your representation of this affair to the King, wilt 
induce him to countermand his orders to Quamina, if any such 
have been given him. 
I am. Sir, 
your most obedient Servant, 
JOHN HOPE SMITH. 
To Thomas Edward Bowdich^ Esq. 
I 
