PROLONGED WAITING. 
167 
before, on a like occurrence, human sacrifices had been 
immediately offered to appease the spirits, but prince 
Ansa had explained to the king the causes of such events, 
so that this was happily discontinued, but field work 
was forbidden on a Thursday, because of an earthquake 
which had once happened on that day. 
Our darling child was growing strong and healthy, and 
though only seven months old could stand by a chair, and 
we needed a girl to take care of her, the nurse being 
occupied with her own child. When seated before her 
toys, and the little thing began to prattle, we felt what a 
treasure we had to cheer us in our continued solitude. 
We requested Bosommuru to supply us with a servant ; 
he hesitated, perhaps he felt it was the king's duty to do 
this unsolicited, but finally a girl of thirteen, for whom we 
had to pay twenty-four dollars, was given us, and proved 
a great help. 
Letters from Administrator Ussher and from Mr. Forson, 
which were brought to us to translate, gave us some in- 
sight into the state of affairs. Mr. Ussher expected that 
prince Ansa's mission would restore peace, and that since 
Adu Bofo had returned, we should be set free. After 
taking possession of Elmina, the English Government 
would take care that the king should still receive the 
yearly sum which had been paid by Holland, not as tri- 
bute, but as a friendly offering. 
In reference to the slaves who had fled from Ashantee to 
Cape Coast, the British authorities could not according to 
their laws send them back, but the king was advised to 
place a guard at the Prah to prevent his subjects leaving 
Ashantee. Nothing was said about Akjampong, but the 
authorities seemed willing to send him back from Cape 
Coast (whither he had been transported), though we should 
find it more desirable for him to be kept at the Coast till 
we were set free. Mr. Forson begged the king to let his 
