There is nothing pleasant as yet to report from Ashanti.
Governor Hodgson with a large party of official Europeans and six missionaries remain shut up in Coomassie, and the relieving forces as yet get no nearer. A small detachment under Captain Hall sent to reinforce Colonel Carter at Kwisa, when they found that place abandoned, turned towards Fumsu, but had to fight their way there, losing one officer, Captain Wilson, and seventeen soldiers killed and wounded. The Ashantis evidently fight better than was expected, and the awe of them among natives is so great that carriers are unprocurable. The best sign is that the "King" of Bekwai together with other native chiefs remain loyal, and the most favourable rumour that ammunition is beginning to fail the Ashantis. It is rather a puzzle at all times whence they obtain their supplies. It is quite evident that we have not sufficient forces, though nine hundred more men are expected at Cape Coast Castle, but Mr. Chamberlain reports that he has sent even larger supplies than he was asked for. We have no doubt he has, but that is just the mischief. Nothing can con- vince Colonists that the same savage can be a coward to-day and a formidable fighting man to-morrow. They see the savages usually run away, and therefore think a sergeant and three men a sufficient garrison against any number.
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