MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
81 
however your own good understanding will readily suggest to you 
that the only motive is jealousy in trade. 
The conduct of the English you will always find very different ; 
they enter into fair competition with the other European residents 
here, but they never, by clandestine means or false assertions, 
endeavour to injure their character with the natives of this country. 
I have learned with regret that the people of Elmina are using 
their influence to induce you to make a palaver with the Com- 
mendas. They are a mere handful of people, extreme!}^ poor and 
not worth your notice ; besides they are under my protection, 
therefore I hope you will not think further of the affair, and I shall 
consider your compliance in this instance, as the greatest possible 
proof of the sincerity of your intentions towards the English. 
I wish you health and happiness, and I hope you will reign 
many years, enjoying the love of your subjects, and the respect of 
all the Europeans resident in this country. 
I am, Sir, . 
your faithful friend, 
(Signed) J. H. SMITH. 
Cape Coast Castle, 2Qth June, 18 17- 
P. S. The abolition of the slave trade was an act of the King 
and the Parliament in England, in which the government in this 
country had no concern. 
M 
