"Ramseyer to Basel"

Concerning an application from Prempeh to Ramseyer for his mediation vis-a-vis the Governor. 3 ambassadors had come to Catechist Boateng in Bompata with the message that the Asantehene had heard that an English army was setting out for Kumasi, but that he would never allow his people to fight against the Europeans. He therefore asks Ramseyer to write to the Governor to have pity on his poor people - he would now accept whatever the Governor wanted of him. Boateng also informed him that the ambassadors would return to Bompata on the 7th January for Ramseyer's answer, Boateng having advised them meantime to return to Kumasi and bring back to Bompata evidence of the trustworthiness of their Prempeh’s message. This message was a great surprise to Ramseyer and it was with pleasure that he learned that the King of Kumasi had thought of him though of course he could not help him. Ramseyer's answer to Prempeh was that of course he felt for him and his people and would show his sympathy by sending his message to the Governor at the first opportunity. But that he had very little hope of its effectiveness, since the expedition was already on its way. Ramseyer writes finally that he hopes there is nothing behind this move, and that the ambassadors were not spies. He added to his letter to the Governor the point that it was unwise to leave Asante Akim so unguarded.

06.01.1896

06.01.1896

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