156 
DEPARTURE PROM ACCRA. 
the latter, although the large annual fine or exaction, 
once so oppressive, no longer exists. 
In all probability, the Ashantis would have extermi- 
nated them had not British influence raised up a barrier 
for their protection in the friendly relations established 
between Kumasi and the authorities at Cape Coast 
Castle. As before stated, Governor McLean has 
directed much attention to the improvement of those 
under his especial charge, as also to raise them in the 
estimation of their neighbours ; but such is the degraded 
state of the people, and their antipathy to a change of 
then moral, social, or religious condition, that no one 
but an enthusiast can hope much for them. 
Wednesday y August 4. — The Expedition left Accra 
for its final rendezvous off the mouth of the Niger. 
The ^ Wilberforce ’ weighed at 8 p.m., and having the 
' Soudan ’ in tow, we made less rapid progi'ess than the 
‘ Albert.' The ‘ Amelia ’ tender kept company with us. 
Sunday, August 8.— In the evening, the weather 
being extremely bad, with squalls, a heavy sea and a 
great deal of rain, we were obliged to cast off the 
‘ Soudan ' to shift for herself. 
Soon afterwards we struck soundings in twenty-three 
fathoms, and therefore stood off and on shore till day- 
light, when we anchored abreast of the mouth of a river ; 
but from the excessive gloom of the weather, it was quite 
impossible to ascertain which of the many outlets of the 
Niger. 
We remained at anchor all day. The air was charged 
