"Ramseyer to Basel"

Almost entirely concerned with summarising letters received from Prince Ansah. Letter dated 31st July from Ansah: Asante ambassadors arrived on 28th Aug in Cape Coast en route for Accra. They were from the great princes Mampong, Nsuta, Kokofu, Aguna, Afidwase etc. Their message that the chiefs of Asante (except the Kumasi chiefs) inform the Governor that they have chosen Karikari as Asantehene. This happened in Breman, a favourite town of the former king's. They chose him because he had learnt a good lesson in the 1873-74 war and its aftermath. As a result he was ready to pay attention to the advice of Europeans and civilised men. Ovusu Koko, Asafo Boakye and Asamoa Kwami have the Asante throne in their possession and intend to put Kwaku Duah on it, against the will of the whole Asante nation. Mamponghene etc. out of consideration of the Governor have treated these people and their supporters with patience - otherwise they would have brushed them away and seized the throne. They ask the Governor therefore to use his influence to get these princes to give up the throne. Ansah adds that as soon as Karikari is on the throne he will go to him and try to get Ramseyer and others invited to Kumasi. Letter of 9th August: Since 31st July he has received several letters from Karikari asking him to help him, the last from Breman dated 3 July in which he asks Ansah to ask missionaries to come to him - now he wants missionaries and schools. The writer of the letter was James Sey - illness if the messenger had delayed its arrival. Owusu Koko etc. are also writing to Ansah asking for his help on their side. Ansah has replied that he will help them with great pleasure when they have laid down their weapons and submitted to Karikari, since it is vain for them to try to oppose the whole people. Ramseyer comments at the end in terms of a Karikari victory. Rottman (cashier) in pencil from Accra points out that Ramseyer’s expectations of an early call to Kumasi are quite unfounded since it seems Karikari is dead.

28.08.1883

28.08.1883

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