So great was the effect produced upon the Ashantis by the tremendous fire which the British had poured into every bush and thicket as they advanced, that their general thought it expedient to draw them off in the direction of his main body instead of further disputing the way.
The English now turned off towards the coast, marching part of the way through open country, part through a bush so dense that it was impossible to make a flank attack upon them here.

In such cases as this, when the Ashantis know that an enemy is going to approach through a dense and impassable forest, they cut paths through it parallel to that by which he must advance and at a few yards' distance.

Then, lying in ambush there, they suddenly open fire upon him as he comes along.

As no idea of the coming of the English had been entertained they passed through the dense thickets in single file unmolested.

These native paths are very difficult and unpleasant walking.