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365 1850 1 February 1850 Even though all the formalities have not been observed, Carstensen received, from the Danish envoy in London, orders to cede the Danish forts in Guinea to the English. Winniett has been informed about Adum’s and Sebah-Akim’s return. The homeward journey of the Danish civil servants can hardly be made on English ships, as most of them do not sail direct to the home country, and do not carry freight. G.J. 14/1850, filed under 125/1850.|376| On board the brig Contest, 5 miles outside Sierra Leone, 1 February 1850 At my departure from Plymouth on board the brig Contest, I knew that the convention on the cession of the Danish-Guinean possessions to the English would be forwarded to me from London. When the mailbox was opened outside Plymouth, I found a copy of the convention and a letter from Count Reventlow concerning some expressions in the convention. As soon as I arrive at Christiansborg, I shall, in accordance with the convention, cede all the forts, etc., to the English governor, against the duly accounted for inventory lists. Since the sanction of the Parliament is beyond doubt, I expect to fulfil the cession in the presence of the natives, as if it was finally decided in Europe. I am hereby able to report to the Ministry of Finance that the English governor is informed of the arrested Adum’s and Sebah-Akim’s dispatch to the Coast with passports for Cape Coast. Since the English cruisers mostly sail from one African station to another or by way of Ascension, Sierra Leone to England, the homeward journey of the Danish-Guinean civil servants on an English warship might meet with difficulties even if time had allowed for that because luggage and freight are not carried by smaller warships. I have written the above in the hope that an English ship bound for England might turn up and be able to take the letter along. Edw. Carstensen 366 CLOSING THE BOOKS 22 February 1850 After his arrival at Christiansborg, Governor Carstensen assumed control over the Establishment. The fort is to be handed over to Winniett on 2 March, after which the two governors will make a tour of the former Danish stations, and thus complete the cession. Finally, remaining Danish property will be put up for sale by auction. The Danish civil servants are seeking to make arrangements for their homeward journey by an English warship. Fort Prøvesten is to fly the Danish flag until the hour of departure. Accounts and documents are to be brought home. Bannerman will be appointed English commander of Fort Christiansborg. G.J. 19/ 1850, filed under 319/1891. |377| Chief Fort Christiansborg, 22 February 1850 By a ship passing by, bound for England, I find myself able to report to the Ministry of my arrival here at Fort Christiansborg, the day before yesterday, on 20th this month. I found the civil servants of the fort in tolerable health. YesterdayItookovermyaffairs,andthepreparationsforthehandover of the Establishment have started. Fort Christiansborg (and with it the protectorate over the natives in the Danish possessions) I shall hand over to Winniett on the forthcoming 2 March. On 7 March, Governor Winniett intends to go to Akuapem, Krobbo, Volta and Quitta. Fort Prinsensten will be handed over on 14 March. On the way back the forts Kongensten and Fredensborg and the other towns along the coastline, will be handed over. I shall accompany Governor Winniett on this tour to attend the handover. On 20 March, a public sale will be held of marketable items of the inventory and of the belongings of the civil servants. I have written to the English Commodore Fenshawe266 , chief commander of the West African squadron, about passage aboard an English warship bound for home, and I have reason to believe that Commodore Fenshawe will send the Bonnetta up here. I will not know anything definite about it until 14th next month in Quitta. Regarding the home journey for Messrs. Schmidt, Schønning and Larsen, as well 266 Probably Henry Fenshawe, b.1778, English naval of`cer, captain 1814. [3.227.252.87] Project MUSE (2024-03-28 13:27 GMT) 367 1850 as the home dispatch of luggage, that will depend on still uncertain shipping opportunities to Europe, as to when and how it can be executed. I shall keep Fort Prøvesten, and the Danish flag will be hoisted there, until all negotiations...