I. 
396 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE, 
to plaj, as he called it, and was sorry that he had not seen me. 
I told him I had very seldom been out, except when there was no 
noise, as the people were so unruly in the evening. 
Monday 17- In the afternoon Apokoo sent a message, saying 
he was come to the door of the house to play and shew me his 
gold, hoping I would come out. I went and found a Moorish 
carpet spread, at one end of which I was seated under an umbrella, 
while Apokoo and his wives, children, and captains danced by turns 
before me. Some of his young wives were dressed with great taste, 
a rich silk cloth with a bag made of fine fur, slung over the 
shoulder, studded with gold ornaments : on the left shoulder they 
held a pistol, and in the right hand a silver bow and arrow. 
During the dance, if Apokoo was pleased with them he took the 
bow and hung it on some of the ornaments, when she retired from 
the dance ; this was a strong mark of approbation, if I may judge 
from the applause that followed : to some he gave a httle gold. 
Several times he took from their necks various ornaments which he 
placed on my knees and over my left shoulder; this was the 
greatest mark of honour he could shew me; and his band played ' 
a tune in praise of England, and of our abilities in settling differ- 
ences. Many of the captains sent him presents of gold and rum. 
I gave him a large flask of wine, which he said pleased him more 
than all the others, as it would shew the people I thought him a 
good man. ^ 
Thursday 20. The Moorish caboceer of Alphia called to day, 
requesting I would allow him to bring his brother and nephew who 
had arrived, as they wished to see me : on receiving my permission 
he sent for them, and as they immediately made their appearance, 
they must have been waiting at the door. I shewed them a com- 
pass, sand-glass, quadrant, some phosphorus, and several other 
things; at the sight of each they bent their heads to the ground, 
