I 
i06 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE, 
placed within hearing, and the crowd was almost impervious : the 
most ghastly trophies were mixed with this blaze of ostentation. 
We were seated near the King immediately opposite to his 
linguists. 
In reading the treaty, I paused after every article, leaving it to 
be formally repeated to the King through his linguists, and then 
sat down whilst it was discussed by the assembly. It is not neces- 
sary to repeat the various debates ; and I will only notice that 
Amanquatea, through his linguist, proposed the renewal of the 
Slave Trade as a sine qua non this, however, as I had all along 
declared it to be impossible, was at length over-ruled, but with 
considerable difficulty. It was also proposed to attach a fine to 
the infraction of the treaty ; but this I resisted as derogatory to the 
dignity of the contracting parties ; and urged, that as the King 
and his dignitaries would consider his oath as sacred, as you and 
the Government would mine, I considered no infraction of the 
treaty could take place ; though it might possibly be offended by 
the conduct of his subjects, or of individuals under British pro- 
tection, which was provided for, and must be visited accordingly 
by the authorities pledged to the treaty. 
I had declared from the first, that it would be expected thai the 
King should swear in the form of his country to the fulfilment and 
preservation of the treaty, and that his oath should be attested by 
his principal captains, from my anxiety to fortify to the utmost, a 
* Presents from two Spanish slave ships were received through the Mulatto Brue on 
the 16th instant ; they were general, but I can only particularise the following : 
To the King, 3 pieces of cloth, 1 umbrella, and a hat. 
To the chief linguist, 1 piece, do. 2 flashes liquor. 
To the 4th do. (Otee) 1 do. 2 ditto, do. 
To Odumata, 2 do. 2 ditto, do. 
To Quamina Bwa, agent for the purchase of the slaves, 2 pieces of cloth, I umbrella j 
and 1 Dane gun. 
