Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashantee : with a statistical account of that kingdom, and geographical notices of other parts of the interior of Africa

The work presents a first‑hand narrative of a British envoy travelling from the coastal fort at Cape Coast Castle deep into the Ashanti kingdom in the early 19th century. The author, a self‑trained gentleman‑explorer, records the long trek, the river crossings, and the conversations he gathers from traders and enslaved peoples he meets along the way. Interwoven are detailed statistical tables on population, tribute, and trade, as well as practical notes on the geography of rivers, forests, and settlements that were little known in Europe at the time.

Accompanying the text are numerous plates and maps that illustrate everything from Ashanti ceremonial customs to the layout of royal houses in Kumasi. A glossary explains local terms such as “stool,” “fetish,” and “palaver,” helping modern listeners decode the rich cultural references. The volume offers a vivid glimpse of a powerful African state before the era of full colonial penetration, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in early African exploration and the complexities of Ashanti society.