Considering that the English had taken the natives under their protection, and that the war was caused entirely by the taking over of Elmina by the English and by their breach of faith to the natives there, this treatment of the Fantis was as unjust as it was impolitic.
Ammon Quatia, however, seemed to be impressed with a spirit of prudence as soon as he crossed the river.

Parties were sent out, indeed, who attacked and plundered the Assim villages near the Prah, but the main body moved forward with the greatest caution, sometimes halting for weeks.
The Ashanti general directed Frank always to pitch his tent next to the hut occupied by himself.

Four guards were appointed, nominally to do him honor, but really, as Frank saw, to prevent him from making his escape.
These men kept guard, two at a time, night and day over the tent, and if he moved out all followed him.

He never attempted to leave the camp.
The forest was extremely dense with thick underwood and innumerable creepers, through which it would be almost impossible to make a way.
The majority of the trees were of only moderate height, but above them towered the cotton trees and other giants, rising with straight stems to from two hundred and fifty to three hundred feet high.

Many of the trees had shed their foliage, and some of these were completely covered with brilliant flowers of different colors.