These bodies were compact fighting forces, and took out considerable numbers of unladen carriers.
When a village was found the troops surrounded it, while the carriers searched it for hidden stores.

Then they would march away to other villages, until every carrier had a load; when the force would return, and store the results of the raid.
The remnants of the reconcentrating Ashanti army were reported to be somewhere in the bush, east of Dompoasi.

It was necessary to clear them out before the Adansi country could be subdued, and the line of communication be at all safe.

Consequently a flying column--of four hundred of the West African Field Force, one large and one small gun of the West Indian Rifles, to be joined by the Kwisa company--was despatched, under the command of Major Beddoes, against the enemy.

They had to strike out into the bush by almost unknown roads, and great difficulties were encountered.
Fortunately, however, they captured a prisoner, who consented to lead them to the enemy's camp, on condition that his life would be spared.
Three days later, an advance was made on the camp.