160 
MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASIIANTEE. 
that the propelling power was not Adu Bofo individually, 
but the so-called " Kotoko ; " the assembly of speakers, 
old miserly fellows, to whom the good of their country 
was a mere trifle, compared with the filling of their own 
coffers. We returned home deeply distressed. There 
seemed no hope of a peaceful solution of our difficulties. 
We felt that Ashantee would have to be humbled, for 
thousands of murdered victims were crying to heaven, 
while we who so gladly would have brought peace, must 
be the means of bringing misfortune upon this blinded 
land I Oh, how much we wished and hoped that after 
we were set free a mission might be established in 
Ashantee ! Yea, that we might even work in it our- 
selves ! But what insurmountable barriers seemed still in 
the way ! 
In a private conversation with the king, prince Ansa 
represented to him the disgrace and shame he was bring- 
ing upon his country; but he said he could not act 
" against his people, so few were on our side." 
The next day was Sunday, and the sad thought came 
within me, " Shall I continue to preach to a people who 
seem so unworthy ? " but overcoming the temptation, I 
went forth, and found not only more listeners, but a 
readier tongue, a greater joy. How could the poor 
people help having such leaders ? 
After further discussion, which was altogether fruitless, 
the royal answer was despatched to the Coast on Feb- 
ruary 20th. It ran thus, " Tell the governor that I and^ 
my great men have decided that the treaty of peace shall 
be entered upon as soon as the ransom is paid to Adu 
Bofo, and not before." This was signed for the king by 
his linguists, each with his signet, witnessed by three 
European prisoners. 
We announced at the same time to the government our 
views of the state of things, and hinted that nothing but 
