MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
the Englisli troops at Abakrampa, whereupon fifty white 
soldiers had put to flight the whole Ashantee army. It 
had been beaten again in Fusuwei by untrained black 
troops, and finally driven over the Prah. Thousands of 
Ashantees were now in British hands, besides chairs, 
umbrellas, and other trophies. The British vanguard was 
already at Praso ; but the real powerful army was follow- 
ing from the Coast ; and from other points troops were 
advancing upon Coomassie. His majesty must therefore 
acknowledge that the duration of his dynasty was at stake, 
for he (the general) was determined, if necessary, to crush 
Ashantee. But peace could be obtained if the king would 
in the first place set all the prisoners at liberty; secondly, 
pay fifty thousand ounces of gold for the expenses of the 
war ; and thirdly, appoint hostages for the signature of 
the treaty in Coomassie." 
All this was quietly heard. If an exclamation escaped 
any of the chiefs, the king immediately commanded 
attention. The other letter required no second transla- 
tion. As soon as the king had assured himself that Mose 
had read it correctly, we were allowed to go. 
At home all was in great perplexity. Several Fantees, 
amongst them our Kwaku, had been placed in chains, and 
my wife had collected the most necessary articles for our 
children, lest a similar fate should befall ourselves. Whilst 
we were still speaking of its probability, a sword-bearer 
came running with the order, " Ohene se hrd*^ (the king 
calls). We followed him with beating hearts, but had to 
pass an hour of suspense in the palace, till again con- 
ducted to the court we had left two hours before, where 
we saluted humbly. 
The king began, " Dawson, I wish you to write to my 
good friend, the general, and tell him that I accept the 
conditions of peace. I will not fight against the white 
men. I did not command Amankwa to attack their fort. 
