86 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
exception of six, that to preserve the impression of the firmness of 
an English officer, I secured one who encouraged the others, by 
persisting in some insulting indecencies, in contempt of my remon- 
strances, and ordered him to be punished. 
The others (with the above exception) having refused in a body, 
aggravating their disobedience with the grossest insolence, to go 
with a cane to Payntree, and bring the biscuit which had been 
deserted there ; I have disclaimed them, and left them to act for 
themselves, only securing them the King's permission to depart. 
I shall request the King to furnish me with his own people, on 
the conclusion of the business of the Embassy. Such an arrange- 
ment favours oeconomy, and impresses the confidence I affect. 
The frequent presents had enabled me to present the Eantees 
with large supplies of plantains and hogs ; and on paying them 
their arrears, which I did the same evening I received your gold, 
I gave them a bullock which fell to my share in a division with 
Mr. James. 
You wdll see by the balance of the annexed account, that (pre- 
serving our dignity) every expense should be avoided that can be * 
and I assure you, that in making the present arrangement for 
bearers for our baggage .only, I do not disregard your solicitude for 
our health. I shall order one Cape Coast messenger to attend Mr. 
James, and also the bearers left behind, being sufficiently recovered. 
The statistical and scientific desiderata so impressively recom- 
mended to my attention, are daily realising beyond my expecta- 
tions. Mr. Tedlie has had a severe attack of fever and dysentery, 
but is convalescent: Mr. Hutchison and myself are in perfect 
health. 
I am, with respect. Sir, 
Your most obedient Servant, 
T. E. BOWDICH. 
