294 
Ml^SlOJSAUY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
stormed, Fomana being meanwhile attacked (February 
2nd) by the Ashantees under their " Moltke," and almost 
burnt down. The small English garrison could not 
attempt more than to hold the custom house, hospital, 
and the magazine. Sir Garnet, amidst constant fighting, 
now advanced rapidly along the western road, from 
Adjuman towards the Oda (Da) river, where a letter 
from the king reached him (written by Mr. Dawson), 
begging that he would remain where he was, and promis- 
ing that the demanded sum should certainly be paid. The 
general again asked for hostages, and proceeded without 
delay to throw a bridge over the Oda. On the morning 
of February the 4th the king disputed the passage of the 
river, and the struggle was maintained seven hours near 
Odaso, Kari-Kari looking on, seated on a golden footstool 
under his red umbrella. When defeat was certain, he 
fled to his villa at Amanghyia. 
The British forces now pressed on without delay past 
Akankawase and Kaase, and marched into Coomassie in 
the evening amidst the sounding of bagpipes ; there were 
only a thousand Europeans and four hundred black troops. 
The inhabitants (many of them with arms in their hands) 
gazed with great curiosity on the many white faces, but 
displayed neither fear nor hatred in their own appearance. 
The troops on their part entirely refrained from plunder, 
but the mob of the town, with some Fantees and other 
blacks, attacked the houses of princes and nobles, and 
took various liberties. 
The imprisoned Fantees, and among them Mr. Dawson, 
had been set free, but many were found still bound to 
large trees, or in the stocks. They all Avithdrew, most 
taking with them a suspicious amount of property. The 
troops who had advanced so far, had again to retreat for 
want of provisions, heavy rains having also set in. An 
offer was made to the king (February 5th) to save his 
