 MacCarthy's skull was rimmed with gold and was purportedly used as a drinking cup by Ashanti rulers used as a drinking-cup.An eye-witness stated he "saw ensign Wetherell, who appeared also to have been wounded, lying close to MacCarthy.Some of the Ashantis were attempting to cut off his head, and had already inflicted one gash on the back of his neck; luckily at this crisis an Ashanti of authority came up and recognising Williams, from whom he had received some kindness, withheld the hand of the assailant.