"Werner to Basel"

Reports a rumour which they feel after interview with the king has some substance, that war is in the offing between Asante and Kwahu. The Juabens staying in Kwahu are leaving for Akim. There is also a rumour that the Juabenhene is preparing to invade Asante territory. The Kwahuhene has sworn his oath that he will never subject himself to the Asante, and Werner fears that he thinks that the missionaries are people of great influence with the Colonial Government – the king has expressed the idea that they could write to the Government on his behalf. There is a subscript from Widmann saying little need of fear at this stage, since the Juabenhene is still in Cape Coast, and all the signs are that Asante is still weakened by the division between Karikari and Mensa. However he feels the governor should be informed about what is rumoured. A subscript from Buck reports that he has informed the Accra Commandant of the contents of Werner’s letter, but that people on the coast place little credence in this rumour – too many are coming out of the interior for any to be taken seriously.

18.08.1876

18.08.1876

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