Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashantee; with a statistical account of that kingdom, and geographical notices of other parts of the interior of Africa

Preface

BY SIS DAUGHTER, MRS. SALE. LONDON : GRIFFITH & FARRAN, CORNER OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD. MDCCCLXXIII. LONDON : GILBERT AND EIYINGTON, PRINTERS, ST. JOHN'S SQUARE. TO DAVID R. MORIER, Esq., THIS EEPEINT OF THE WORK OP HIS OLD FEIEND, IS INSCRIBED WITH THE SINCEEEST EEGAED AND ESTEEM. T. H. HALE.

Introduction

. A T this time of general interest in the little-known kingdom of Ashantee, it occurred to me that a reprint of my father's mission to that country might be acceptable to the public, by making known the genius and character of the people with whom we are engaged in the present unhappy war. While hesitating from the fear that after the expiration of fifty years the information contained in it might have become obsolete or superseded, I received a letter from my valued friend, Mr. David Morier, suggesting the republication of the work, from the desirability that the history of our first dealings with that savagely formidable power should be thoroughly known. My undertaking also met with encouragement from Professor Owen and from Mr. Andrew Swanzy, whose able letters, published in the Times newspaper, prove him to be so thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the Gold Coast, and who has kindly allowed me to publish the annexed letter, in which he gives his opinion as to the value of the work at the present crisis. The narrative of the mission I have given as it stood. In the second part I have VI

INTRODUCTION.

. left out one or two chapters, which are hardly suitable to the present time. But, as a generation has passed away since my brave and talented father toiled, suffered, and died in the cause of science and of Africa, the present generation may require to know something of his history before it relies upon his information. Thomas Edward Bowdich was born in Bristol, June 20th, 1791. The son of a merchant, it was natural that his father should wish him to enter his business, but Mr. Bowdich's career is one of the many instances which show how impossible it is, if not wrong, to endeavour to turn into an uncongenial channel the talents, the tastes for another, and in this case nobler sphere. To a mind and character such as his, the desk and the counting-house were so entirely distasteful, that, in 1814, through the interest of his uncle, Mr. Hope Smith, then Governor-in-Chief of the settlements of the African Company, he obtained a writership in that Company, and proceeded to Cape Coast.

In 1817 he was chosen by the African Company to conduct a mission to Ashantee, for the purpose of establishing the trade with that kingdom. It is the history of that mission which is now republished, and to that I refer the reader for that portion of Mr. Bowdich's life. On returning to England, flushed with the success of his mission, he was so coolly received, in consequence

INTRODUCTION.

. VII of the misrepresentations of those who either dis approved of his conduct of it, or were jealous of so young a man having accomplished it, that, after the publication of the first edition of "The Mission to Ashantee," he repaired to Paris with my mother, and for three years and a half devoted himself to study, with the view of preparing himself for another voyage to Africa. Here he was in constant intercourse with Cuvier, De Humboldt, Denon, and the many gifted persons who formed the brilliant society of the Hotel Cuvier. While fitting himself for a return to Africa, he published several pamphlets and works on Natural History, and, in 1822, started for Sierra Leone. The African Company had become extinct, and Mr. Bowdich hoped, if permitted, to make himself useful to the new Government of the Gold Coast.

He first went to Lisbon, in order to consult some manuscripts in the public and private archives of that city, which might enable him to form an idea of the extent of the Portuguese discoveries in Africa. From Lisbon he went to Madeira ; not finding a ship bound for Sierra Leone among the many lying at anchor in the bay of Funchal, Mr. Bowdich made several excursions into the interior of the island ; in these he was occupied many months. At last, giving up all hope of finding a vessel going direct to Sierra Leone, he set sail for the Gambia,

INTRODUCTION.

. VIII on the 26th of October, 1823, staying some time at the Cape de Verde Islands, where he made many excursions and discoveries in Natural History. Arrived at Bathurst, Mr. Bowdich intended to stay a month before proceeding to Sierra Leone, and as the Gambia was so little known to science, he at once set to work to commence its survey and examine its natural productions. In pursuit of these he lost his life. Anxious to multiply his astronomical observations as much as possible, he scarcely allowed himself needful rest, and one night, fearing he had slept too long, he started from his bed in haste, and exposed himself, with too little additional clothing, to the cold land breeze in the open gallery. Fever followed, and in ten days he closed his life of activity, energy, and zeal, January 10th, 1824.

Mr. Bowdich/s works, and his numerous discoveries in Natural Science, during a short life of little more than thirty years, show what his powers were, to what they would have led, and what might have been expected from so much early promise. Brought up with an hereditary love for and interest in Africa, it has been a pleasure to me to contribute, in even the smallest degree, to a better knowledge of it, especially if a closer acquaintance with its people lead to efforts for their civilization and their conversion to the One True Faith ; nor has the task imposed upon

INTRODUCTION.

. IX me, as a necessary part of the reprint of the " Mission to Ashantee," of bringing the name of a revered father again before the public, been a less pleasant one. My only regret is that I have performed it so imperfectly. Tedlie Hutchison Hale. 58, Harley Street, 17th October, 1873. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Andrew Swanzt. 122, Cannon Steeet, London, October 6th, 1873. My dear Madam, — Owing to the dangers and difficulties attending a journey to Coomassie, few travellers have of late attempted the task ; and had its King been contented to reign in peace over the vast territory under his sway, Ashantee might have remained for an indefinite period unnoticed and unex plored; it needed, however, but a bad excuse and a good opportunity, to induce that savage monarch to make a great, and, as I believe, a final effort to regain his former sovereignty over the tribes under the protection of the British.

This effort, under-estimated at first, and unopposed by any adequate force, has carried the warlike Ashantees to the very gates of our principal towns on the Gold Coast, till at length the interests and even the honour of England have become involved X introduction. in the struggle with this barbarous chief. The consequence is, that the inquiry excited fifty years since, by the defeat and death of Sir Charles McCarthy, is again awakened, and every one asks where and what is Ashantee ? At such a crisis, my dear Madam, we turn for an answer to the few books written on the subject, and especially to the able work of your late father, copies of which cannot be found to supply even those personally interested in Africa; and the public are deprived of the useful and reliable information to be derived from Bowdich' s " Mission," information as applicable now as it was when first offered to the public half a century since, for in the meantime but little change has taken place in the political and social aspect of Ashantee.

May I, then, as one sincerely interested in all that concerns West Africa, respectfully suggest that your father's account of his journey to Coomassie, and of what he saw and heard there, be reprinted and pub lished in such a form as you may consider most acceptable to the public ? Very faithfully yours, A. Swanzt. Mes. Tedlie Hutchison Hale, 58, Sarley Street. CONTENTS.

Part I. Chaptee Page

I. The Objects, and Depasture op the Mission . 1 II. The Route, and Reception of the Mission. . 13 III. Proceedings and Incidents until the Thied Despatch to Cape Coast Castle ... 46 IV. Proceedings and Incidents until the Thied Despatch to Cape Coast Castle. ... 87 V. Proceedings and Incidents until the Signing or the Preliminaries to a General Tbeaty . 114 VI. Peoceedings and Incidents until the Ratification of a General Treaty 133 VII. Proceedings and Incidents until the Completion of the Mission and its Return to Cape Coast Castle 147

Part II

HlSTOBY 179 Constitution and Laws 203 Superstitions . . . . - 212 Customs 226 Architecture, Arts, and Manufactures . . . 254 Climate, Population, Revenue, City, Markets, etc. . 263 Music 278 Mateeia Medica and Diseases GLOSSARY. Croom. A town or village. Caboceer. A chief or magistrate. Pynin. An elder or counsellor. Palaver. A dispute, debate, argument, or suit. Book oe Note. A certificate of a monthly pension of the African Committee, paid in trade to the Fantee Kings and Chiefs in the neighbourhood of the British Settlements, in consideration of their attachment, influence, and services ; which Books or Notgg were claimed by the King of Ashantee, as his by right of conquest. Stool. Throne, seat in council, inheritance. Custom. A festival, carnival, public ceremony, funeral rite. Panyae.

To seize or kidnap. A Benda. Two ounces four ackies, or £9 currency. A Peeiguin. Two ounces eight ackies, or £10 currency. An Ackie. Five shillings currency. A Tokoo. Tenpence. A Dash. A present. Fetish. A charm, amulet, deity. Any supernatural power or influence. Any thing sacred.

Chapter I. The Objects, And Departure Op The Mission

T)OSMAN and Barbot mention the Ashantees as first -U heard of by Europeans about the year 1 700 ; the latter calls it Assiantee or Inta, and writes, that it is west of Mandingo, and joins Akim on the east ; he asserts its pre-eminence in wealth and power. Issert, a physician in the Danish service, who meditated a visit to Ashantee, writes, "this mighty king has a piece of gold, as a charm, more than four men can carry ; and innumerable slaves are constantly at work for him in the mountains, each of whom must collect or produce two ounces of gold per diem. The Akims formerly dug much gold, but they are now forbidden by the King of Ashantee, to whom they are tributary, as well as the Aquamboos, previously a very formidable nation." Mr. Dalzel heard of the Ashantees at Dahomey, as very powerful, but imagined them, the Intas, and the Tapahs, to be one and the same nation.

B Mr. Lucas, when in Mesurata, was informed that Assentai was the capital of the powerful kingdom of Tonouwah. In Mr. Murray's enlarged edition of Dr. Leyden's discoveries in Africa, we find, " the northern border of Akim extends to Tonouwah, de nominated also Inta, Assiente, or Assentai, from its capital city of that name, which stands about eighteen days' journey from the Gold Coast." In 1807 an Ashantee army reached the coast for the first time. I would refer the reader to the extract in the Appendix, from Mr. Meredith's account of the Gold Coast, as the particulars are introductory as well as interesting ; and also serve to correct the misstate ment in the work last quoted, that in 1808 the King of Ashantee destroyed the English fort of Annamaboe; originating, probably, from the storm of the Dutch fort at Cormantine, at that time.

The Ashantees invaded Fantee again in 1811, and the third time in 1816. These invasions inflicted the greatest miseries on the Fantees. Few were slain in battle, for they rarely dared to encounter the invaders ; but the butcheries in cold blood were incredible, and thousands were dragged into the interior to be sacri ficed to the superstitions of the conquerors. Famines, unmitigated by labour, succeeded the wide waste of the Fantee territory, the wretched remnant of the population abandoning itself to despair ; and the pro longed blockade of Cape Coast Castle in the last inva sion, engendered so much distress and hazard, that the Government having averted imminent danger by advancing a large sum of gold on account of the Fantees, earnestly desired the Committee to authorize and enable them to venture an Embassy, to deprecate these repeated calamities, to conciliate so powerful a monarch, and to propitiate an extension of commerce.

By the store ship which arrived in 1817, the African Committee forwarded liberal and suitable presents, and associated scientific with the political objects of the mission, in their instructions, which I submit in ex planation. " In order to enable you to redeem the promise to the King of Ashantee (and as we are sanguine in our hopes of the good that may result from it), we send you sundry articles as presents for him, to which you may add such others from the public stores as you may deem desirable, provided they will not materially in crease the expense. The Committee are extremely anxious (and in this respect the wishes of all classes of people in this country go with them) that no exertions should be spared to become better acquainted with the Interior of Africa ; and we consider the existing state of things to be most favourable for undertaking an exploratory mission into the dominions of the King of Ashantee.

If, therefore, nothing shall have transpired in the interim of this despatch being received by you, to make the measure objectionable, we wish you to obtain permission from the King to send an Embassy to his capital : if granted, you will select three gentle men (one of them from the medical department) ' for 1 We recommend his being well supplied with dressings, &c, for wounds and bruises, so that he may be able to assist any natives whom he may meet with requiring his aid : services of this sort give Negroes an exalted idea of white men, and are always grate fully remembered. B that service ; and let them be accompanied by a re spectable escort, you giving them the fullest instruc tions for their government. In particular, it will be necessary for them to observe, and report upon, the nature of the country ; its soil and products ; the names, and distances, and the latitude and longitude of the principal places ; and its most remarkable natural objects : the appearance, distinguishing cha racters, and manners of the natives ; their religion, laws, customs, and forms of government, as far as they can be ascertained ; and by whom each place is governed.

When at Ashantee, they should endeavour to obtain the fullest information of the countries be yond, in each direction ; particularly whether any high mountains, lakes, or large rivers are known ; and the width, depth, course, and direction of the latter; and whether the water, as well of the lakes as the rivers, is salt or fresh : and how far, and under what circum stances, white men may travel with safety, especially in a northerly direction. They should collect the most accurate information possible of the extent, population, and resources of the Ashantee dominions, and should report fully their opinion of the inhabitants, and of the progress they may have made in the arts of civilized life. They should be directed also, to procure and bring away (with the consent of the chiefs) any specimens of vegetable and mineral productions they may be able : and to ascertain where and how the natives collect the gold, and the extent to which the trade in that article, and in ivory, might be carried on.

It would, we conceive, be a most important advantage if the King of Ashantee, and some of his chiefs, could be prevailed upon to send one or more of their children to the Cape, to be educated at the expense of the Committee (to be attended by their own servants, if required), under the guarantee of the Governor and Council for their personal safety, and that they should be sent back when required. " Another great object would be, to prevail upon the King to form, and keep open, a path not less than six feet wide, from his capital, as far as his territories extend towards Cape Coast, you engaging on the parts of the Committee to continue it from that point to Cape: Coast, which we presume may be done at a very smalj expense, by means of monthly allowances to the chiefs of such villages as be in that line ; upon condition that they shall not allow the path to be overgrown with underwood, or otherwise obstructed.

" It may perhaps be found, that high mountains, or a large river, may be not many days' journey beyond Ashantee ; in which case, if the gentlemen composing the Embassy feel themselves secure in the attempt, they may probably be disposed to proceed so far. In such event, we authorize you to pay their drafts for any moderate sums which they may find it necessary to expend, as well as for the general objects of the mission. " Besides the escort of which we have spoken, we think it necessary, or at least extremely important, that the Embassy should be accompanied by natives of character and consequence, conversant with the Ashantee language, in whom you have perfect confi dence, selected, one from each of the towns of Cape Coast, Accra, and Appollonia, to whom you may make reasonable allowances for their time and trouble.

" We have said that you should obtain the permission of the King of Ashantee to send the Embassy : we have doubts of the expediency of requiring hostages ; but, we presume you will concur with us in thinking, it will be necessary, before it leaves Cape Coast, that a man of consequence should be specially sent down by the King, to serve as a guide and protector ; and who, on his journey to Cape Coast, may arrange with the messenger whom you may send to the King, respecting the places at which the Embassy may stop to refresh, and give directions to open the paths that may be overgrown. " The gentlemen whom you may select, will of course be well advised by you not to interfere with any customs of the natives, however absurd ; or in any way to give them offence. And they cannot too strongly impress upon the minds of the King and people of Ashantee, that the only objects his Britannic Majesty has in view, are, to extend the trade with that country ; to prevent all interruption to their free communication with the waterside; and to instruct their children in reading, writing, &c, from which, as may be easily pointed out, the greatest advantages must arise to the Ashantees.

" From what has been said, you, gentlemen, will perceive, that in selecting the Embassy, it is important that one of the persons composing it should be able to determine the latitude and longitude of places, and that both shall be seasoned to the climate ; of ability, physical and mental; of cool tempers and moderate habits ; and possessed of fortitude and perseverance • and that in the selection of their escort also, regard be had to the qualifications of the parties in those respects. Among them there should be a bricklayer, carpenter, blacksmith, gunsmith, and cooper, with proper tools ; if these persons can be spared for the purpose. We wish also they should take with them a number of certificates regarding Major Peddle, and his companions, to be circulated as distinctly as possible in the interior; for though the period may be past when they might have been useful to those travellers, it is yet possible that they may be of use in making generally known the object of Government in sending white men to explore that country."

The suggestion of hostages was wholly impracticable, for there was not even time for a communication with the King. A variety of circumstances conspired to urge the immediate despatch of the mission ; our interests, to say the least, imperiously demanded its early interference ; and had we waited for a formal permission from the King to relieve the difficulties of the enterprise, the rainy season would have been too far advanced, and the critical moment have escaped us. The Governor thought it more advisable to despatch the mission without an escort, and two native soldiers only were added to the bearers of the baggage. The perusal of the Governor's instructions will be satis factory to the reader : Cape Coast Castle, April VStli, 1817. Frederick James, Esq., Member of Council and Governor of Accra.

Sir, — In accepting your voluntary offer of conducting the Embassy to the King of Ashantee, I have every reason to believe, that from your long experience in this country, and your knowledge of the manners and habits of the natives, it will terminate in a manner highly creditable to yourself, and eventually prove of the greatest importance to the commercial interest of Great Britain, which is the more immediate object of the mission ; however, as many subjects of scientific research may be associated with it, they are particularly recommended to your attention. For this purpose Mr. Bowdich will accompany you ; and I have no doubt he will be found perfectly qualified to make the necessary observations, in which you will afford him every facility and assistance. He is provided with instruments for determining the latitude and longitude of places.

Mr. Hutchison, writer, and Mr. Tedlie, assistant surgeon, will also be attached to the expedition. The Ashantees, who are appointed your guides, have been selected by the Ashantee captain who is now here. They will, I hope, aid and assist you in every thing that lays in their power. In addition to the Committee's instructions, a copy of which you have herewith, you will attend to the following : On the subject of your journey, I have nothing to observe further, than, that I hope you will take every opportunity of travelling when there will be the least exposure to the sun, as the officers who accompany you have been but a short time in the country, and every precaution will be necessary for the preservation of their health. As soon as may be convenient after your arrival at the Ashantee capital, you will of course see the King, and deliver him the various presents in the name of the African Company, to be received by him as pledges of the harmony and friendship which is ever to subsist between them ; and also of his good will towards the natives residing under the protection of their different forts.

You will not fail to impress upon his mind, the great power, wealth, and consequence of the British nation, and how much it is the interest of himself and his subjects, to promote and perpetuate their present free intercourse with the water side. In the course of your interview many circumstances will doubtless occur, which will suggest various other matters proper to be mentioned to the King, all which I shall leave entirely to your own discretion. You will acquaint the King, that in order to secure a correct communication between him and myself, I request his permission to allow an officer to reside con stantly at Commassey, who will defray all his own expenses, and for whom you will build a house with out loss of time. A carpenter, bricklayer, and cooper are sent with you, and you will leave them with Mr. Hutchison, who will remain as Resident.

On your departure you will give him full instructions in writing for his future government, a copy of which you will deliver me upon your return. You will keep an exact diary of every circumstance possessing the least interest, a copy of which you will transmit me by every opportunity. In the course of your stay in the Ashantee country, you will embrace every occasion of becoming acquainted with the politics of that nation, of ascertaining its extent and boundaries, the power of the King over the lives and property of his subjects, the probable force he could bring into the field, the number of his allies, the sources and amount of his revenues. Whether he is tributary to any other power, and what nations in his neighbourhood are tributary to him ? The amount of tribute, and in what articles paid ?

The rule of succession to the throne ? What are the punishments for crimes of all descriptions ? Who are the persons of most consequence next to the King ? The names of their offices, and the extent of their power : by whom, or how paid ? What are the most prominent features in the character, manners, and habits of the people, &c. &c. &c. ? Are any human sacrifices made ? Upon what occa sions, and to what extent ? How are prisoners of war now disposed of? Of what nation are the Moors that frequent the Ashantee country, and for what purpose do they go there ? Ascertain the current medium of exchange, whether gold, or cowries ; also the usual prices at which the Ashantees sell the goods they purchase from the Europeans on the sea coast ; and the extent of their commercial relations with the interior.

You will inquire whether any European travellers have ever been seen or heard of in any of the countries to the northward ; and what became of them ? Whether anything be known of the river Niger, or Joliba, as it is called by the natives ? This information you will probably obtain from the Moors. Ascertain the position of the Doncoe country, and the city of Kong; also the mountains of that name. Refer to Park's Travels, and acquire as much information as possible of the regions lying between Ashantee and the last places he visited. In short, leave nothing undone that may add to our present imperfect geographical knowledge of the interior. You will receive herewith copies of certificates relative to Major Peddie's expedition, which you will distribute amongst any persons you find travelling into the interior from Ashantee.

It would be of the first importance to have a road cut directly down to Cape Coast; and this you will urge to the King in the strongest manner. Your observations will, of course, enable you to point out the proper directions. I enclose a sketch of a treaty, and it would be highly desirable if you could procure its ratification by the King. He might perhaps make some objection at first, but may be persuaded at length, by your address, and reasoning. If he wished any trifling alteration made, you might use your discretion in this respect. You will acquaint the King, it is my wish that in future he receive his company's pay at this Castle, and not at Accra, as formerly. Should he say anything of an increase to his present allowance, you may give him hopes that it will be granted to a reasonable extent, provided the objects of this mission be fulfilled, and after twelve months' experience shall have proved the sincerity of his friendship to the British Government, and to the natives resident under its protection at the various forts on the coast.

From the jealous disposition of the natives of Africa,, it is highly probable, that in the prosecution of your inquiries, you will be subject to many unfavourable suspicions. These you will take all possible care to remove, by the most candid explanations on every point that may be required. You will particularly explain to the King, the ill treatment the people of Cape Coast have experienced from those of Elmina, which has added very much to the distresses they have for some time suffered from the extreme scarcity of provisions ; and there is reason to believe, that this unjust persecution has been induced, from their presuming on their connexion with the Ashantees. Being perfectly aware that it has been done without the concurrence of the King ; I have no doubt but he will, by a proper representation of the affair from you, exert his influence, and prevent what is at present to be apprehended, and what the Elminas are endeavouring to provoke — a war between the two people.

In all cases not provided for in these instructions, you have of course a discretionary power, which I am convinced you will make use of with deliberation and prudence, and with becoming zeal for the service upon which you are employed. Wishing you a prosperous journey and a safe return. I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant, John Hope Smith.

Chapter II

the route, and eeception op the mission. rPHE mission left Cape Coast Castle on the morning -*- of the 22nd of April, with the intention of quitting the water side at Moree, three miles and a half to the eastward ; but on reaching it, we were told that the path thence to Payntree's croom, always bad, was then impassable from the rains ; and that we must proceed to Annamaboe before we struck into the bush for the interior. The reluctance of the carriers, who had been pressed into the service by the authorities of the town, became thus early almost insuperable ; the consideration of pay and subsistence, and the reflection, that the dearth inflicted by the invasions the mission was to deprecate, allowed them but a bare existence at home, were entirely lost in their aversion to the undertaking, which was equally influenced by jealousy and indolence : eleven deserted the first day ; and the slender authority of the King and caboceers of Annamaboe, delayed the procuring of others to replace them until the next evening.