Three days later the Ashanti general, with a portion of his force, moved down close to Elmina; Frank was told to accompany them.
Shortly afterwards the news came that the Elminas were all ordered to lay down their arms.

They replied by going over in a body to the Ashantis.

Ammon Quatia determined at once to attack the town, but as he was advancing, the guns of the ships of war opened fire upon the native town of Elmina, which lay to the west of the European quarter.
The sound of such heavy cannon, differing widely from anything they had ever heard before, caused the Ashantis to pause in astonishment.

Then came the howl of the shells, which exploded in rapid succession in the village, from which flames began immediately to rise.

After a few minutes' hesitation the Ashantis and Elminas again advanced.