In any place where the bush was particularly thick, volleys were fired into the undergrowth by a few men of the advance guard; for it had been found by experience in Nigeria that, if fired upon, natives generally disclosed their presence by replying.
They went on, unmolested, until they neared the village of Dompoasi.

The natives of this town had sworn a solemn oath, to prevent any reinforcements from going up to Coomassie; and they had erected a stockade, six feet high.

This was built in zigzag shape, so that a flanking fire could be kept up from it.

It was about four hundred yards long, with both ends doubled backwards, to prevent an enemy from turning the position.

In the rear was a trench, in which they could load in perfect shelter.