386 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
and could get it so near/' I told him of England's resources from 
her own manufactories ; he said it was not good for white men to 
know so much; if black men knew those things they would all run 
to England. When I got home I sent him a present of a razor, he 
sent two messengers to thank me, such is their fashion ; and for 
even the smallest article they return thanks the next day. Odumata 
enquired why I did not get drunk sometimes, and come to see him 
then, I told him, were I to get drunk in Ashantee, I ought to have 
my sword broke over my head, that I had indeed got tipsey the 
evening before I came away, with ray friends, and might perhaps 
do so when I returned, but not till then. He gave me some palm 
wine, and looked amazed at my swallowing only half a tumbler full, 
" he would drink three pots before he went to bed (about 15 
gallons.) 
Wednesday, October 1. The King dictated a letter to the Gover- 
nor at Cape Coast, stating, that the King of Cape Coast had broken 
the law by insulting an Ashantee man, who swore, by the King of 
Ashantee^s head, that if the Cape Coast King did not kill him, he 
must pay 110 periguins of gold to the King. This practice, though 
it savours of madness, is yet often resorted to for revenge, as it is 
almost sure to end in the ruin of the other party. The Cape Coast 
King had threatened, that the Governor would put the Ashantee 
man in the slave hole till he died, which appeard to irritate the 
King very much. 
The King then enquired if I had any yams at home; I told him 
I had a few of his last present ; he told me he would send more to 
the house for me, which he did, and gave me 5^ ackies gold ; then 
pressed me to take some gin and water; on his being told that it 
mustibe very httle, for I was afraid of an attack of spleen and liver^ 
and eat little and walked much, he said that was proper. 
Thursday 2. Through this and the afternoon of yesterday I felt 
