216 MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
Queen of England, and even wanted to come themselves 
and see what could be done, but she had undertaken to 
obtain their liberty. 
The subject of a ransom was under consideration when 
the news came that Ashantee was at war with the Coast, 
but this the governor did not heed. They then informed 
him that the Ashantee army had arrived at the Prah, 
and that the white men as well as the governor's messen- 
gers were killed, one only having been spared, whose 
head was shaved, nose and ears cut off, and himself made 
to carry the king's drum, all which the governor dis- 
believed. They then told him they would leave their 
towns and villages, and seek for security in Akem and 
Denkjera. Soon after, the governor finding that the 
Ashantees were really approaching, ordered the people of 
Cape Coast and Abora to march against them, and gave 
orders that whoever was not at his post on a certain day 
should be shot. The Fantees then flocked together and 
rushed upon the Ashantees, but were unable to resist 
them and soon fled. I hid myself in the bush," con- 
tinued the poor man, "but was soon discovered and 
taken, and because I spoke more readily than others in 
the camp, I was chosen to announce the news to the king. 
Thus I have the honour of now standing before him."* 
Mr D. enquired where the battle had been fought, and 
was told in Nyankomase, which was not far from Cape 
Coast. The king then turned abruptly to us, and said, 
" I sent for you to write to the governor, against whom 
my army has not marched, but you are not to do as Mr. 
Plange did, and write an underhand letter. The words 
were then dictated thus — 
" The king greets the governor, prince Ansa, and Mr. 
Blankson. He is grandson to Osee Tutu, who conquered 
* This prisoner really spoke the facts of the case, as was afterwards 
ascertained. 
