114 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
Extract from Diary. — Monday, 25th August, we started soon 
after seven o'clock, and proceeding in a N. E. direction, crossed 
the marsh close to the town, where it w^as about two feet deep and 
one hundred and fifty yards broad. We travelled the path to 
Sallagha, through a beautiful country, abounding in neat crooms 
(of which we passed through seven), the sites spacious, and en- 
vironed by extensive plantations. The path was wide and so nearly 
direct, that the eye was always in advance through beautiful vistas 
varied by gentle risings. The iron stone still prevailed. 
The King received us in the market place, and enquiring anxi- 
ously if we had breakfasted, ordered refreshment. After some 
conversation we were conducted to a house prepared for our 
deception, where a relish was served (sufficient for an army) of 
soups, stews, plantains, yams, rice, &c. (all excellently cooked) 
wine, spirits, oranges, and every fruit. The messengers, soldiers, 
and servants were distinctly provided for. Declining the offer of 
beds, we walked out in the town, and conversed and played drafts 
with the Moors, who were reclining under trees ; the King joined us 
with cheerful affability, and seemed to have forgotten his cares. 
About two o'clock dinner was announced. We had been taught 
to prepare for a surprise, but it was exceeded. We were conducted 
to the eastern side of the croom, to a door of green reeds, which 
excluded the crowd, and admitted us through a short avenue to 
the King's garden, an area equal to one of the large squares in 
London. The breezes were strong and constant. In the centre, 
four large umbrellas of new scarlet cloth were fixed, under which 
was the King's dining table (heigthened for the occasion) and 
covered in the most imposing manner ; his massy plate was well 
disposed, and silver forks, knives, and spoons (Colonel Torrane's) 
were plentifully laid. The large silver waiter supported a roasting 
pig in the centre ; the other dishes on the table were roasted ducksj 
