In the meantime, believing that the Ashantis had retired, the naval
contingent went back to their boats, when the Dutch vice consul,
having ascended a hill to look round, saw that Ammon Quatia had
made a detour with his troops, and was marching against the town
from the east, where he would not be exposed to the fire of the
fort. He instantly ran back with the news.
The marines and the thirty West Indian soldiers in the fort at
once marched out, and met the Ashantis just as they were entering
the town. The fight was a severe one, and for a time neither side
appeared to have the advantage, and Frank, who, under the care of
his guards, was a few hundred yards in the rear, was filled with
dismay at observing that the Ashantis, in spite of the heavy loss
they were suffering, were gaining ground and pressing forward bravely.
Suddenly he gave a shout of joy, for on a rise on the flank of the
Ashantis appeared the sailors of the Barraconta, who had been led
round from the boats by Lieutenant Wells, R. N., who was in command.
The instant these took up their position they opened a heavy fire
upon the flank of the Ashantis, who, dismayed by this attack by fresh
foes, lost heart and at once fled hastily.
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