"Zimmermann to Basel"

The letter is accompanied by a sketch map. Reports news which, he says, is obviously from Akwamu sources, and though too good to be completely true nevertheless came from sources he feels are reliable. According to these, the Asante-Akwamu army divided into two at the Labo, one group taking the Abotia-Ho route, although according to this news Ho was not plundered. While the Akwamuhene moved direct on Pekyi, a section of Asantes in the same part of the army went to Anum, burned the town, and arrived at the mission station just as the Ramseyers were laying the table. They broke into Br. Kuhne's room - he tried to resist them, whereupon he was roughly handled, and the group began to plunder the Station. As soon sent the Akwamuhene heard this news he took the missionaries under his protection, and part of their property has also been rescued. Their servants have not been harmed, and no-one has been killed among the group of Ga refugees with them. The Station has been shut up and handed over to the care of the chief of Pese — whom the missionaries know, and who is a sensible and energetic man - and an Asante chief. The cotton store is under their control. The missionaries — including the little Ramseyer child - are well, suffer no wants, are attended by their servants, and with the Akwamuhene in Pekyi. The scenes of murder and pillage are not being conducted before their eyes. The Akwamuhene apparently regards them as potential hostages to use in staving off the danger of a Ga attack. Dompre made a night attack on the Asantes at Pekyi: the next day they attacked him three times taking many prisoners. The quarrel over the Asante general and his message to Pekyi has been settled, since no secret attack was intended. It is said that as soon as the Asante-Akwamu army has got hold of the head of the opposing force they will return home. They want no war with the protectorate. They have captured 9 towns, and three have voluntarily submitted. Zimmermann has had no answer to his letter, but the head of the garrison this side of the river has promised him something will come in the course of this week. Civil—Commandant Russell has written to the Krobos, allowing them to fight the Asantes if the Asantes attack them (Zimmermann adds an exclamation mark), and guaranteeing them £100 for munitions. The letter, dated 20th June, arrived this day. The Civil-Commandant also gives them permission to make direct contact with the Akwamuhene on behalf of the captive missionaries.

01.07.1869

01.07.1869

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