since their arrival from hardships encountered in the course of their retreat. They were subsequently removed to the Sac and Fox reservation in Kansas. Until after Colonel Weir's expedition to the Indian Territory not exceeding three hundred Cherokees had taken refuge within the Union lines; but in the autumn of 1862, after Weir's retreat, a body of refugees, mostly women and children, claiming the protection of the United States, made their way to a point on the Cherokee neutral lands some 12 miles south of Fort Scott, Kansas. Like all the other refugees, they were in a most destitute and suffering condition. In need of food, clothing, and supplies of all kinds, these sufferers, to the number of two thousand, appealed for relief, and were for a time supplied by the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, but afterwards, on being taken under charge of the military authorities, were transferred to Neosho, Missouri. _Relations with the Southern Confederacy renounced._--During the month of February, 1863 (as reported[580] by John Ross from Philadelphia), a special meeting of the Cherokee national council was convened at Cowskin Prairie, and the following legislation was enacted: 1. Abrogating the treaty with the Confederate States, and calling a general convention of the people to approve the act. 2. The appointment of a delegation with suitable powers and instructions to represent the Cherokee Nation before the United States Government, consisting of John Ross, principal chief, Lieutenant-Colonel Downing, Capt. James McDaniel, and Rev. Evan Jones. 3. Authorizing a general Indian council to be held at such time and place as the principal chief may designate. 4. Deposing all officers of the nation disloyal to the Government. 5. Approving the purchase of supplies made by the treasurer and directing their distribution. 6. Providing for the abolition of slavery in the Cherokee Nation. RAVAGES OF WAR IN THE CHEROKEE NATION.