This report presented to Congress in 1846 covers the Cherokee Indians that resided west of the State of Arkansas are divided into three distinct parties, or factions, well known and distinguished by the terms of "old settlers," "treaty party," and ."anti-treaty, or Ross party." The "old settlers" and "treaty party," together, constitute about one- third of the Cherokee nation; and of course all the political power of the government is held and exercised by the anti-treaty or Ross party. The manner in which this power was obtained, and is now exercised, is the fruitful source of the discontents and complaints which have been brought to the consideration of Congress.