Of a similar nature was the claim of the Ashantis upon Elmina. The
Dutch had paid eighty pounds a year, as they asserted, as a present,
and they proved conclusively that they had never regarded the King
of Ashanti as having sovereignty over their forts, and that he
had never advanced such a claim. They now arrested Atjempon, and
refused to pay a further sum to the King of Ashanti until he withdrew
his claim. In order to settle matters amicably they sent an envoy
to Coomassie with presents for the king, and obtained from him
a repudiation of his former letter, and a solemn acknowledgment
that the money was not paid as a tribute. The king sent down two
ambassadors to Elmina, who solemnly ratified this declaration.
The transfer was then effected. We purchased from the Dutch their
forts and stores, but the people of Elmina were told that we should
not take possession of the place except with their consent; but it
was pointed out to them that if they refused to accept our protection
they would be exposed as before to the hostility of the Fantis.
They agreed to accept our offer, and on the 4th of April, 1872,
a grand council was hold, the king and chiefs of Elmina announced
the agreement of their people to the transfer, and we took possession
of Elmina, Atjempon and the Ashantis returning to their own country.
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