"Dieterle to Basel"

The first three pages report the development of the Juaben affair. The Governor had said in his letter that in the event of trouble he could not extend protection to the Abetifi missionaries. Dieterle repeats that so far as he knows no trouble is in sight, but asks the Akwapim, Akim and Kwahu missionaries to let him know as soon as anything occurs to suggest that trouble is on the way. Dieterle had written to the Abetifi missionaries that they were not to allow themselves to be captured in any event, and that they would not be chased once they were in the protectorate. The king of Juaben is in prison at the moment because instead of settling near Koforidua as the Government wanted him to, he sent 60 ounces gold to King Taki of Accra in order to secure arms through Little Popo. On 7th August District Commissioner Reinecker came to Aburi in pursuit of the Queen Mother of Juaben escorted by an officer and 40 men. He stayed for several hours at the Mission Station in Aburi, asking Dieterle to act as an interpreter if he caught up with the lady in Mampong. It turned out, however, that she had gone on to Akropong. Message was sent to Akropong then that the Akroponghene was answerable for making sure that the Queen Mother went no further. The next day the Akroponghene brought her (Afrakuma) to the Mission House in Akropong, and invitied her up onto the veranda, whereupon her party were surrounded by soldiers. Reinecker asked the Akroponghene whether he knew that the Juabens were preparing to go to war against the Asantes, and that they had got themselves powder and lead, to which the Akroponghene replied that he did know. On Aug 9th the party returned to the Aburi Government quarters, and Dieterle saw the Queen Mother ('she is of middle age, and a looks very clever - as the District Commissioner said "She is a cunning woman"). She had been allowed her own serving women,and carriers, but the District Commissioner brought the King of Akropong and his men as far as Aburi since he feared an attempt by the Juaben people to rescue her. Dieterle adds that the imprisoned ‘King’ Asafogei is only the regent - when King Boateng died the heir was too young to be made king. Now he is imprisoned with his sister in Kumasi and this is the fundamental reason for the desire of the Juabens to fight with the Kumasis.

13.08.1877

13.08.1877

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