248 
MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
On the same day Mose was summoned to translate the 
governor's letter, in company with the other two Akwa- 
pems. 
On the 24th we had to attend to write an answer, un- 
accompanied by Mr. Plange, who was set aside. It was 
modelled in Ashantee fashion, one point "made prominent, 
the other not noticed. We were seated when the king 
hastily cried, " Dawson, write to my good friend and tell 
him that I have received his letter. Before it came I had 
sent to recall Amankwa Tia; now I will send a fresh 
messenger to call all back. I have no quarrel with the 
white men, they are my dear friends, only when I heard 
from Plange that the Elmina Fort was given to Kwakje 
Fram, my chiefs grew angry and marched out to bring 
him here ; but now that I hear he is dead, I am content. 
The fear that my soldiers might go too far, and make 
things unpleasant for my good friends, has caused me to 
recall my army ! As regards the white people, I have 
detained you on their account ; as soon as I get the £1000 
I will send them away with you." Of course he wished 
to have his army near him, if only to defy the governor 
anew. 
On the 25th the king's answer was signed, and Mr. 
Dawson read the heads of a letter to his Excellency, in 
which he asked if the £1000 could not be sent to Coo- 
massie. Whilst I was silently considering this proposal, 
the king suggested that I should write to the same effect 
in order to be set at liberty. I replied that we had never 
interfered in money matters, and should still less like to 
do so now. Several chiefs exclaimed, " It is so !" Apea 
alone remarked ironically, " If you don't care to be set free, 
do as you like." Nevertheless, by the king's permission, I 
did write to several friends, and the Fantee, Asiedu, was 
sent to the Coast with the letters, accompanied by a 
messenger of the governor. 
