The latter ordered the war drums to begin to beat, and Frank was surprised at the quickness with which the Ashantis recovered from their panic.

In five minutes a tremendous fire was opened from the whole circle of bush upon the camp.

This stood on rising ground, and the British force returned the fire with great rapidity and effect.

The Annamaboe men stood their ground gallantly, and the West Indians fought with great coolness, keeping up a constant and heavy fire with their Sniders.

The Houssas, who had been trained as artillerymen, worked their gun and rocket tube with great energy, yelling and whooping as each round of grape or canister was fired into the bush, or each rocket whizzed out.
Notwithstanding the heavy loss which they were suffering, the Ashantis stood their ground most bravely.