The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-07-24


coast OF AfrioA has been delivered In Europe and
published in the London Times.
The Ashanteos and Fanteos In Action.
Z FRERrowN, Sierra Leone, June 22 1873.
Tho mall steamer Calabar from Cape Coast
Castle, which arrived here yesterday brings news
that the town o! Elnna was set fire to by the
English troops and sailors on the 18th and COM
petely destroyed This step was taken because
the Elmtnas had continued actively to aid the
Ashantees, supplying them with arms and ammu-
milton. Two or three days before the destruction
OF the town party of Ashantees openly came into
the streets Of Eimina and were supplied BY the in
habitants with all they required. When the
Calabar ON the morning OF the 18th passed
by Elmna. the town was still burning
Before taking this stop proclamation was issued
Offering shelter in the Castle OF Elmlna to all loyal
people who were willing 70 take the cath OF ALE.
glance. The town, which was OF some si8e and
well built, Afforded good shelter to any iorce ad-
sancing to attack the castle. Its population was
PROBABLY about ten thousand people before the war
Her Msjessy's ship Barracuda, Captain Free
9Th, having on board Colonel Testing and detach.
ments OF marine ARTILLERY and marine light In
!antry. Colonel Testing landed at cape Coast on
the West Coast oil Africa. a,g
The communication between Cape Coast and Ell
nina by land was Interrupted for some days. bus
on the 7th strong detachment Of H0ussas re-
opened the communications and marched from
ing and Captain Freemantle proceeded from cane
Coast to Elmina in a gunbOat as 1t was then
closely pressed by the Hshantees, and II Is now
Coast next day, and on the 18th Colonel Testing
started from Cape Coast at midnight at the head Of
the marines and strong HOuSsa force and made
forced march to Elmina, as an Immediate assault
was anticipated. n.i 4o fgn FNt
There Is rumor Of smart skrmish between
the marines and the Asnantees, but 1t Is not au-
thenticatcd.
The Ashantees now hold the entire country right
up to Cape Coast and Elmna, and have burned
Castle. Jtlsfll
THE NATIVES AGAIN ENGAGED IN BATTLE
The Caiabar also brings news OF an engagement
between the Fantees ard the Asiantees at Don.
quah. village about fifteen miles inland from
Denkera country. Tho battle was very severe,
and lasted for two days. 1t began on the 4th and
fight was renewed, the Ashantee forces having
been concentrated during the night. After . stub
born resistance the Fantees were driven from oil
their positions with great slaughter. No English
troops or Houssas were present at this engage
ment The Fantees fed In great confusion to Cape
retreat, especially by baud OF Ashantees which
had been harbo. ed by the Elminas. N
FANTEE REFUGEES.
The town of Cape Coast Is now inundated with
Fantee fugttives over thirty thousand people have
sought refuge there. Great distress exists among
them from scarcity OF food and water. The rains
hindnand. The only drinking water safe to use at
Cdpo OOubt ID Tie ruin WdteE, WHICH ID stored In
large tanks The water from the wells tends to
dysentery, which on the Gold Coast is the most
deadly OF all diseases to Europeans The supply OF
water has run SO low that there are only lew
inches left In the tanks, and rain Is most anxousy
looked for. From private letters received from Cape
Coast it appears that for some days past the Of
hcers quartered there have not been able to obtain
any water for bathing purposes. In such climate
this Ia dreadful prlvattOn and ono likely to lead
to much unhealthiness. The sanitary condition Of
Cape Coast Is described as dreadful, from the sud
den and unexpected inlux OF such multitude OF
strangers; much sickness prevails, and besides the
usual diseases peculiar TO the Coast there
one hundred and forty cases Of smallpox In the
Civil Hospital. Dysentery OF q very malignant
type has shown ITSELF
The headquarters OF tho Ashantees are now at
Afootoo, village about twelve miles from Cape
Coast, and 1t is thought that the King OF the
Ashantees, K0ner Calcalli, is there In person.
IL Is impossible to Overestimate the difficulties OF
Colonel harley's position IN the present unex.
pecJed emergency, but great confidence in his
skill and experience is felt by all the residents
the Coast.
The arrival OF the Second West India Regiment
Is anxiOusly locked for.