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Letter From Irene Edwards For Senator Langer To Floyd Regarding Report From The Commissioner Of The Bureau Of Indian Affairs, December 31, 1953, Irene Edwards

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated December 31, 1953, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair of Elbowoods, North Dakota conveys to Montclair a copy of a report from the Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Edwards expresses Langer's regrets that the report "is not more favorable".

Letter From Edwards To Mondclair Regarding Report From The Commissioner Of The Us Bureau Of Indian Affairs, December 31, 1953, Irene Edwards

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated December 31, 1953, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair of Elbowoods, North Dakota, explains that, as Langer is out of the city, Edwards, as Langer's assistant, is taking the liberty to send Montclair a copy of a report from the Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Letter From Senator Langer To Ted Baker Regarding Enrollment Status Of His Daughters, January 31, 1953, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated January 31, 1953, is from United States (US) Senator to Ted Baker regarding "the status of [his] two daughters on the rolls at Forth Berthold, inasmuch as they had been enrolled at the Blackfeet Reservation when they were born."

Langer asks for additional information and says he will be glad to look over any correspondence Baker has regarding the matter, and looks forward to hearing from him further.

Letter From Irene Martin Edwards On Behalf Of Senator Langer To Martin Cross Thanking Him For Forwarding The Resolution Passed By The National Congress Of American Indians, December 28, 1953, Irene Martin Edwards

William Langer Papers

This letter dated December 28, 1953, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his letter of December 26th which enclosed a resolution passed by the National Congress of American Indians. Edwards notes that Langer is out of town but will be glad to receive the letter and resolution.

A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."

See also:

Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Forwarding a Resolution Passed on December 9 by the National Congress of American Indians Regarding …

Letter From Glenn Emmons To Senator Langer Regarding Payment For Lands Inundated By The Garrison Dam Project, December 28, 1953, Glenn L. Emmons

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated December 28, 1953, from Glenn L. Emmons, Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), to US Senator William Langer, acknowledges receipt of Langer’s letter of December 9 enclosing a copy of a petition Langer had received requesting full per capita payment to the members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation of the balance remaining from the funds authorized by the act of October 29, 1949 (63 Stat. 1026).

Emmons recounts for Langer that a per capita payment of $1,000 was made to each member of the Three Affiliated Tribes …

Letter From Senator Langer To Glenn Emmons Regarding Payment For Lands Inundated By Garrison Dam Project, December 9, 1953, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated December 9, 1953, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Glenn L. Emmons, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, Langer makes reference to monies currently on deposit for payment to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation for lands inundated by the Garrison Dam project, and to a petition he has received, which he encloses with this letter, regarding the disposition of those funds. Langer asks Emmons for any information Emmons can give him regarding when tribal members can expect to receive their payments.

The petition mentioned as enclosed …

Letter From Senator Langer To Floyd Montclair Regarding Payment For Lands Inundated By Garrison Dam Project, December 9, 1953, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated December 9, 1953, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair, Chairman of the National American Indian Defense Association, makes reference to a petition Langer received from Montclair concerning the disposition of funds on deposit to pay for tribal lands inundated by the Garrison Dam project. Langer writes that he has again contacted the US Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding this matter and that Montclair will hear from him as soon as he receives information regarding when tribal members can expect to see their payments.

See also:

Letter from Senator Langer to Glenn Emmons Regarding …

Resolution Passed By The National Congress Of American Indians Regarding Mineral Rights, December 26, 1953, National Congress Of American Indians

William Langer Papers

This resolution passed on December 9, 1953 by the National Congress of American Indians at the Tenth Annual Convention in Phoenix Arizona requests that the United States (US) Congress enact legislation to restore mineral rights on lands taken for the construction of the Garrison Dam to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The resolution notes that since The Taking Act (US Public Law 81-437) did not specify the use of minerals or oil, then those rights should be returned to the tribes. The resolution notes that copies of the resolution will be sent to the appropriate Committees …

Letter From Representative Burdick To Gunther Harms Regarding The Taking Of Harms's Land For Garrison Dam, November 16, 1953, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter dated November 16, 1953 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Gunther Harms is a reply to Harms's letter of November 7, in which Harms expressed his disgust with the process by which his land was taken, including the method of valuation and of determining the total payment. Burdick discusses the work he did to promote cancellation of feed and seed loan debts, only to have the legislation stall in the US Senate.

See also:

Letter from Gunther Harms to Representative Burdick Regarding Taking of Land for Garrison Dam, November 7, 1953

Letter From Laura Knudson For Representative Burdick To J. A. Waldron Regarding Garrison Dam Relocations, November 16, 1953, Laura Page Knudson

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated November 16, 1953, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. Minot Attorney J. A. Waldron acknowledges Waldron's letter of November 11 regarding the mistreatment of people being displaced by the Garrison Dam. Knudson writes that Burdick has fought against the methods used by the US Army Engineers regarding the condemnation of lands in the taking area and the relocation of the people in those areas, and that he will appreciate Waldron's cooperation and support in his attempts to secure justice for the people being relocated.

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Apologizing That Langer Could Not Attend The Tribal Conference With Commissioner Emmons Of The Us Bureau Of Indian Affairs, November 2, 1953, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated November 2, 1953, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for the invitation to attend the tribal conference with Commission Emmons of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs (Likely a reference to Glenn L. Emmons who served as the US Commissioner of Indian Affairs under US President Dwight Eisenhower from 1953-1961). Langer regrets that he was unable to attend.

There are some handwritten annotations on the letter.

Letter From Representative Burdick To Lillie Wolf Regarding Her Refusal To Relocate From Taking Area To Be Flooded By Garrison Dam, October 12, 1953, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated October 12, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Lillie Wolf of Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation is a reply to an earlier letter from Wolf asking for information on a letter she enclosed from J. M. Cooper, area director of the Aberdeen, South Dakota office of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.

In this reply, Burdick summarizes his understanding of Wolf's stance and argues that her refusal to relocate from the taking area of the Fort Berthold Reservation be flooded by the Garrison Dam is unwise, urging her instead to allow her residence …

Letter From Laura Knudson To Harry Sellery Regarding Lillie Wolf, October 12, 1953, Laura Page Knudson

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated October 12, 1953, from Laura Page Knudson, Legislative Assistant to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, to Harry A. Sellery Jr., Chief Council of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, concerns Lillie Wolf. Knudson writes that she has gathered enough material to reply to Wolf's letter thanks to the leads provided by Sellery.

See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to Lillie Wolf Regarding Her Refusal to Relocate from Taking Area to be Flooded by Garrison Dam, October 12, 1953

Telegram From Representative Burdick To Martin Cross Informing Cross That Burdick Will Not Make October 7 Conference, October 5, 1953, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This telegram, dated October 5, 1953, from United States (US) Senator Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross informs Cross that Burdick will not be able to make the conference with the Indian Commissioner on October 7. There are some handwritten notes on the telegram.

See also:

Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding October 7 Conference, September 28, 1953

Telegram From Martin Cross To Representative Burdick Regarding October 7 Conference, September 28, 1953, Martin Cross

Usher Burdick Papers

This telegram, dated September 28, 1953, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick conveys the Tribal Council's request for Burdick's be presence at an October 7 conference with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

See also:

Telegram from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Informing Cross that Burdick Will not Make October 7 Conference, October 5, 1953

Letter From J. Edward Williams To Senator Langer Regarding Civil Case No. 2386, July 29, 1953, J. Edward Williams

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 29, 1953, from Acting Assistant United States (US) Attorney General J. Edward Williams to US Senator William Langer, refers to the recent conference in Langer's office concerning the condemnation proceeding entitled "United States v. Certain lands and improvements in McLean, Dunn, Mercer and McKenzie Counties, North Dakota, Rufus B. Stevenson et al., and unknown owners, Civil No. 2386."

Williams refers to the judgment entered in this case on July 17, 1953, which "adjudicated the just compensation to be paid for the taking of all the allotments included in the proceeding with the exception of the Allotments …

Omnibus Judgeship Bill, United States Congress, Us House Of Representatives

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This excerpt from a report dated July 28, 1953, from the United States (US) House Committee on the Judiciary was written to accompany US Senate Bill 15 which provides for the appointment of additional circuit and district judges. The bill approves the addition of one temporary district judge in North Dakota's northern district to assist with an increased caseload. The report indicates that the increase case load is due in part to an increase in land condemnation cases due to the Garrison Dam project. US Senate Bill 15 also provides for the appointment of one additional fifth circuit judge and …

Letter From Congressman Usher Burdick To Senator Langer Regarding Petition From Elbowoods, July 27, 1953, Usher Burdick

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated July 27, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Senator William Langer, Burdick replies to Langer's letter of July 13, regarding a petition Langer had received from residents of Elbowoods, North Dakota who had agreed to sell their homes to the US Corps of Engineers to make way for the creation of the Garrison Dam reservoir, and after waiting more than two years, were requesting to be paid immediately for their lost homes.

Burdick thanks Langer for his letter and enclosed copy of the petition, and says that he had already taken the …

Letter From J. Edward Williams To Representative Usher Burdick Regarding Petition From Elbowoods Residents Requesting Payment For Taken Properties, July 23, 1953, J. Edward Williams

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated July 23, 1953, from Acting Assistant United States (US) Attorney General J. Edward Williams to US Representative Usher Burdick, Williams refers to communication Burdick has sent to the Office of the Chief of Engineers, US Department of Defense regarding a petition submitted by former Elbowoods, North Dakota residents who "agreed and affixed [their] signatures" for the sale of their homes to the US Corps of Engineers, and who, having waited more than two years without payment, are requesting to be paid immediately for those homes.

Williams explains that the matter has been referred to his Department, …

Letter From J. Edward Williams To Senator Langer Regarding Civil Case No. 2386, July 22, 1953, J. Edward Williams

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 22, 1953, from Acting Assistant United States (US) Attorney General J. Edward Williams to US Senator William Langer, refers to a meeting in Langer's office wherein Edward N. Bodholdt represented the US Department of Justice in the condemnation proceeding entitled "United States v. Certain lands and improvements in McLean, Dunn, McKenzie and Mercer Counties, North Dakota, Rufus B. Stevenson, et al., and unknown owners, Civil No. 2386." This case involves property of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Forth Berthold, North Dakota acquired for use in the Garrison Dam and Reservoir Project.

Included with this document is …

Transcript Of Us Senate Hearing Regarding Civil Case 2386, July 22, 1953, Us Senate, William Langer, George S. Green, C. D. Chrissos, W. E. Whalen, Edward Bodholt

William Langer Papers

This transcript documents a hearing held on Wednesday, July 22, 1953 in room 424 of the Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The hearing was called by United States (US) Senator William Langer, chairman of the US Senate Judiciary Committee, in response to a petition he received from residents of Elbowoods, North Dakota asking to be paid immediately for the homes and properties they agreed to sell to make way for the Garrison Dam and reservoir project.

During the hearing, it emerged that just compensation to these parties had been the subject of a civil condemnation proceeding instituted December 20, …

Letter From J. Edward Williams To P. W. Lanier Urging Prompt Distribution Of Payments Resulting From Judgment Of Civil Case No. 2386, July 22, 1953, J. Edward Williams

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 22, 1953, from Acting Assistant United States (US) Attorney General J. Edward Williams to US Attorney Powless W. Lanier, refers to the July 17 judgment rendered on the condemnation proceeding entitled "United States v. Certain lands and improvements in McLean, Dunn, Mercer and McKenzie Counties, North Dakota, Rufus B. Stevenson et al., and unknown owners, Civil No. 2386."

In this judgment, "just compensation" was fixed for lands taken for use in the construction of the Garrison Dam and reservoir, according to Public Law 437, also known as the Taking Act.

Williams asks Lanier "exert every possible …

United States Of America Vs. Certain Lands And Improvements In Mclean, Dunn, Mckenzie And Mercer Counties, North Dakota; Rufus B. Stevenson Et Al., And Unknown Owners, Civil 2386, July 17, 1953, Us District Courts, Charles J. Vogel

William Langer Papers

This judgment, rendered July 17, 1953, by United States (US) District Court Judge Charles Vogel in the case of United States of America vs. Certain Lands and Improvements in McLean, Dunn, McKenzie and Mercer Counties, North Dakota; Rufus B. Stevenson et al., and Unknown Owners, Civil 2386, details amounts to be paid by the US government to a group of owners for their properties and improvements taken by the US government under the terms of Public Law 81-437, also known as the Taking Act, in order to make way for the construction of the Garrison Dam and reservoir.

The judgement …

Letter From Senator Langer To Congressman Usher Burdick Regarding Petition From Elbowoods, July 13, 1953, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated July 13, 1953, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Representative Usher Burdick, refers to a petition Langer has received from former Elbowoods residents who agreed to sell their homes to the US Corps of Engineers to make way for the creation of the Garrison Dam reservoir, and who, after waiting more than two years, are now requesting to be paid immediately for their lost homes.

While this letter mentions a photostatic copy of the petition being attached, no copy of the petition was found with this letter in Langer's papers.

See also:

Petition from …

Letter From Senator Langer To Charles Black Bear Regarding Payment For Share Of Land, June 24, 1953, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated June 24, 1953, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Charles Black Bear of Cannon Ball, North Dakota, makes reference to Black Bear's desire to have money that is owed him for his share of land on the Fort Berthold Reservation forwarded to him in Cannon Ball.

In this letter, Langer regrets that there has been so much delay in the completion of the sale, and says he is enclosing a copy of a report he has received from the Fort Berthold Agency further regarding the matter.

The report referred to here was not found with …

Report By Wilkinson, Boyden, Cragun, And Barker On The Status Of The Fort Berthold Claims, June 22, 1953, John W. Cragun, Boyden, Wilkinson, Barker

Usher Burdick Papers

This report, dated June 22, 1953, by the firm of Wilkinson, Boyden, Cragun, and Barker to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation concerns the status of the reservation's claims before the Indian Claims Commission. The report outlines the status of a claim under review by the Commission, noting that the Commission may refer to the Blackfeet case from December 17, 1952 once it comes out of the appeal process. The report also summarizes the Fort Berthold Reservation's claim, which states that the Tribes should have the right to sue for damages based on the delay between the …

Letter From Representative Burdick To Martin Cross Enclosing A January 17, 1949 Speech, June 18, 1953, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated June 18, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross makes reference to several enclosed copies of a speech entitled, "Privation Among the Indians of North Dakota" which Burdick delivered on January 17, 1949. No copies of the speech were found with this letter in Burdick's papers.

Excerpt From Congressional Record Regarding Amendment Proposed By Representative Burdick To Reduce Appropriation To Corps Of Army Engineers, May 27, 1953, Us Congress, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This excerpt from the United States (US) Congressional record, dated May 2, 1953, contains debate over an appropriations bill to which US Representative Usher L. Burdick offers an amendment to reduce the appropriation to the US Corps of Army Engineers for continued construction on the Garrison Dam and Reservoir.

Included in the debate over Burdick's amendment are representatives Gordon L. McDonough, Hubert Scudder and Craig Hosmer of California, Glen Davis of Wisconsin, Donald W. Nicholson of Massachusetts, John Taber of New York, and Otto G. Krueger of North Dakota, who spoke out against Burdick's amendment.

Burdick's rationale in reducing the …

Letter From Representative Burdick To James Black Dog Regarding Relocations Due To Planned Inundation, May 26, 1953, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated May 26, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog explains that Burdick has not previously replied to Black Dog's letter because Burdick had telegrammed US President Eisenhower concerning the order issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers that people in area to be flooded would have to relocate before July 1, 1953. Burdick goes on to write that the order will have to be obeyed and that the only relief may be to apply for extensions. He recommends that Black Dog's sister [Lillie Wolf] write to Graham Holmes, the Area Counsel …

Letter From Representative Burdick To James Black Dog Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 20, 1953, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated May 20, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog makes reference to Black Dog's letter to US Representative from Iowa Ben F. Jensen regarding per capita payments to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berhold Reservation, which Jensen forwarded to Burdick. Burdick writes that the US Indian Bureau has informed him that the article was not correct and that the per capita payment made in 1951 was $1,000 and that a second payment was authorized for $200 on April 15, 1953 and that it should have been distributed by …