The Adansee Hills are very steep and covered with trees, but
without undergrowth. It had been supposed that the Ashantis would
make their first stand here. Lord Gifford led the way up with the
scouts, Russell's regiment following behind. Frank accompanied Major
Russell. When Gifford neared the crest a priest came forward with
five or six supporters and shouted to him to go back, for that five
thousand men were waiting there to destroy them. Gifford paused
for a moment to allow Russell with his regiment to come within
supporting distance, and then made a rush with his scouts for the
crest. It was found deserted, the priest and his followers having
fled hastily, when they found that neither curses nor the imaginary
force availed to prevent the British from advancing.
The Adansee Hills are about six hundred feet high. Between them
and the Prah the country was once thick with towns and villages
inhabited by the Assins. These people, however, were so harassed
by the Ashantis that they were forced to abandon their country and
settle in the British protectorate south of the Prah.
Had the Adansee Hills been held by European troops the position
would have been extremely strong.
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