84 MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
prospect of deliverance, feeling that He, to whom nothing 
is impossible, could easily bring it to pass.* 
Returning to our humble home, we gratefully thanked 
our heavenly Father for His interposition on our behalf; 
and in the gladness of our hearts, we prepared a present for 
the king, consisting of four metal plates, some sugar, soap 
and pomade. For prince Ansa we set aside a pair of shoes, 
which he greatly needed, some tea, sugar, writing materi- 
als, and other valuable things. After dispatching this busi- 
ness, we sat down to try the cheese ; oh how delicious it 
was, arid how gladly did we cast aside our wooden plates ! 
Prince Ansa called on us as soon as permitted, to offer 
his thanks, telling us the shoes were more valuable to 
him than a crown of gold. He encouraged us to hope 
that a mission might soon be established in Coomassie, the 
king being now so favourably disposed towards Europeans. 
The schools which the Wesleyan missionaries had tried to 
form, failed for lack of children ; if the king favoured their 
establishment it would be different, and by helping the 
missionaries, he would gain the friendship of Queen 
Victoria. He had already received a very kind letter 
from the administrator, in which he had petitioned for 
our freedom ; and the present of a piece of green stuff, 
embroidered with gold, sent him by our brethren, had 
also delighted him. 
After about three quarters of an hour, his attendants 
intimated to the prince that his visit must end ; he im- 
mediately rose, and expressing the hope to be allowed 
soon to repeat it, wished us farewell, recommending us to 
cultivate the friendship of Bosommuru, who possessed 
great influence ; and we sent by him the present of a brush 
for the latter, which he had long desired. 
* Later on we heard that one of the messengers from Cape Coast had 
told the king that the governor accouuted us for great people, and would 
pay aoy sum that might be demanded for our liberty. 
