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Letter From Attorney General Langer To E. H. Tostevin Requesting Investigation Of A Liquor Law Violation In Litchville, October 29, 1919., William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated October 29, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND State Pool Hall Inspector Earle H. Tostevin Langer requests that Tostevin do everything he possibly can regarding liquor, gambling and cigarette violations in Litchville, North Dakota. Langer includes the text of a letter from Ole J. Belling, Justice of the Peace in Litchville, claiming a current pool hall is in violation of the liquor law along with gambling and the sale of cigarettes. Belling adds that another pool hall is being erected by a gambler and "booze fighter," and the license of this …

Letter From Henry G. Owen To Attorney General Langer Regarding Alcohol And Prostitution In Minot, January 2, 1919, Henry G. Owen

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated January 2nd, 1919, from Grand Forks, North Dakota (ND) Attorney Henry Grattan Owen to ND Attorney General William Langer, Owen describes his preliminary findings in Minot. He has made inquiries and been told that alcohol may be bought "by the drayload." He concludes that Minot is "one live town and lots of women to be had for the asking." He hopes to be able to provide more information the following day.

See also:

Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Recounting Alcohol Sales in Minot, January 3, 1919

Letter from Henry G. Owen to …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Don C. Smith Regarding Law Enforcement Situation In Marmarth, Nd, September 23, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated September 23, 1918, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Don C. Smith, Langer acknowledges Smith's letter of September 19 regarding the law enforcement situation in Marmarth, ND, and writes that he will do what he can "in the premises," and that he will be glad to get Smith's viewpoint.

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Letter from Don C. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Law Enforcement in Marmarth, September 19, 1918

Letter From Don C. Smith To Attorney General Langer Regarding Law Enforcement Situation In Marmarth, September 19, 1918, Don C. Smith

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated September 19th, 1918, from Don C. Smith to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Smith describes the current state of law enforcement in the city of Marmarth, ND. Smith writes that city officials are doing nothing about the unlawful sale of alcohol and are actively hindering the local police and sheriff, and that the local telephone exchange is conspiring with transporters of illegal alcohol to warn them of plans to intercept them, while refusing to place calls to the county sheriff and county attorney, claiming that those lines are out of order. Smith asks Langer …

Letter From Attorney General Langer Replying To F. H. Lohr Regarding The Night Kersey Gowin Was Killed, Situation In Minot, May 3, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated May 3, 1918, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to F.H. Lohr Langer replies to Lohr's letter of April 29 regarding the night of Kersey Gowin's killing. Langer asks whether Lohr can go to Minot if Langer is able to arrange to have his expenses paid.

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Letter from F. H. Lohr to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Night Kersey Gowin was Killed, Situation in Minot, April 29, 1918

Letter From F. H. Lohr To Attorney General Langer Regarding The Night Kersey Gowin Was Killed, Situation In Minot, April 29, 1918, F. H. Lohr

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 29, 1918, from F. H. Lohr to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Lohr refers to being in Minot, ND the recent Friday night when two "force" men [one of them undercover detective Kersy Gowin] were shot. Lohr writes that on Saturday all the "vice holes" had closed out of fear of the police. He also offers the general assessment that the drinking in Minot is worse than ever, and that the chief of police is "nothing more than a bag of hot air" and a "co[w]ard."

Lohr explains that he was called home …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Kersey Gowin Pledging Protection And Payment For Snow And Requesting Report On Situation In Minot, April 17, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 17th, 1918, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Kersey Gowin Langer responds to Gowin's letter of April 15, assuring him that he will protect Snow in every way he possibly can. Langer also attaches a blank bill for Snow to sign and return to him promptly. Langer promises to get Snow the money he needs.

Langer also urges Gowin to give him a full report of the situation in Minot, ND, and pledges to do all he can to help "O. B." out.

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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General …

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Beer Labeled "Great Northern Dining Services," April 17, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 17th, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer Gowin refers to beer acquired from bootleggers that appears to be labeled as Great Northern dining service product. He says part of the label has been torn off, but is "a nough to show where it come from."

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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Bootlegging and Prostitution in Minot, October 29, 1917

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Reporting On Situation In Minot And Requesting That Langer Contact Irs Official J. A. Coffee, April 16, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 16, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Gowin informs Langer of rising prices for bootlegged alcohol and asks him to contact Internal Revenue Collector J. A. Coffee in Aberdeen, South Dakota and ask him for a list of people who have paid for government licenses, and to suggest that the two offices might cooperate with mutual benefits to both.

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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Regarding Langer's Stay in Fargo, Judge Coffee, April 18, 1918

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Payment For Snow, April 15, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 15th, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Gowin refers to a man named Snow who did some work for Gowin on the recommendation of "Dan" (likely Assistant Attorney General Daniel V. Brennan, who had recently died), who hadn't been paid because Dan "is no longer here."

See also:

Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Bootlegging and Prostitution in Minot, October 29, 1917

Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Reporting Return of "O. B.," death of Dan Brennan, and Payment to Gowin, April 3, 1918 …

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Keg Party, Fundraising To "Beat The League", April 13, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 13th, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer Gowin updates Langer on the situation in Minot. Langer tells of plans being made by "Smith and the PM" for a keg party, and warns that E. H. Stenvick "has a scheme to get a democrat into Dan's place and one they can trust, I am told." He elaborates that the Democrats and Republicans are working to "beat the League men this fall" and gives information on donations locals have been making in order to "beat the League."

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding The Death Of Dan Brennan, April 8, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 8th, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Gowin refers to the recent death of Assistant Attorney General Daniel V. Brennan, of pneumonia. Gowin expresses his condolences and his admiration for Brennan, and thanks Langer for arranging a recent payment. Gowin writes that he needs to hire another man, as one is not enough "with the Police & Sheriff Office all on the other side." Responding to Langer's statement in Langer's previous letter, that since Brennan's death everything is "up in the air," Gowin expresses his willingness to continue in …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Kersey Gowin Reporting Return Of "O. B.," Death Of Dan Brennan, And Payment To Gowin, April 3, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

Letter dated April 3, 1918, from Attorney General William Langer in response to Gowin's letter of April 1, 1918.

Langer assures Gowin that "O. B." is "right back on the job, laments that "Dan" has died and that "Poor Dan died yesterday and our plans are all up in the air." Langer informs Gowin that he will soon receive his money for Sheridan County, and is enclosing a letter from the State's Attorney.

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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer regarding Drunkenness in Camps, April 1, 1918

Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Payment …

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Drunkenness In Camps, April 1, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 1, 1917, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Gowin reports that he has just seen "O. B.," who is "feeling fine and says to go all the way down the line." According to Gowin, "O. B." was previously "inclined to go Slow, but on March 29 our Boys were going to the camps and about a dozen of them got pretty drunk...Mr. Henrickstad says we will now go to them and clean them up again." Gowin asks that, if possible, "D. V. B." (Assistant Attorney General Daniel V. Brennan) can …

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Legality Of Searching A Man's Suitcase, December 1, 1917, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated December 1, 1917, from Kersey Gowan to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer, Gowan gives a general update on his activities and asks about the legality of "searching a man's suitcase or grip." He concludes saying he will be moving next to Crosby and Noonan.

Letter From Willa E. For Attorney General Langer To Kersey Gowin Regarding Letters Received From Individuals Reporting Law Violations, November 24, 1917, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated November 24, 1917, from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer's secretary Willa E. on behalf of Langer to Kersey Gowin, Langer's secretary refers to enclosed letters and tips received from individuals reporting law violations and asks Gowin to comment on the usefulness and safety of forwarding these tips.

The letters referred to as being enclosed were not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

Letter From "W. E." For Attorney General Langer To Kersey Gowin Regarding Liquor And Gambling In Noonan, Nd, November 24, 1917, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated November 24, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer's secretary W. E. to Kersey Gowin, W. E. refers to a letter Langer received from the James Hough Coal Company in Noonan, ND reporting violations of gambling and liquor laws. W. E, encloses the letter in question and Langer's reply and says she will forward any more letters Langer receives from them, and adds that Langer left the previous night for Fargo and will return Monday.

The letter W. E. mentions enclosing was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

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Letter from …

Telegram From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding A "Live One" Taken "Off Of No. 4," November 8, 1917, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

Telegram dated November 8, 1917 from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer.

Entire text:

"Got another live one off of regarding "a live one" off of No. 4 this morning.

K.E.G.

Taken by K."

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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Regarding "Live One," November 8, 1917

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Kersey Gowin Regarding "Live One," November 8, 1917, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated November 8, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Kersey Gowin, Langer replies to Gowin's recent telegram announcing that Gowan had taken a "live one." Langer writes that this is fine and urges Gowin to "keep on getting them."

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Telegram from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding a "Live One" Taken "Off of No. 4," November 8, 1917

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding The Recruitment Of A "Girl" To Work "Inside" And A Translator, October 30, 1917, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated October 30, 1917, from Kersey E. Gowin to Attorney General William Langer, reports on Gowin's efforts to recruit both an unnamed woman who Gowin feels is his "best chance to get on the inside" and a "frenchman" plasterer named Charles Fisher who speaks multiple languages and is also an outsider. Gowin also provides an update on several individuals who are bootlegging.

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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Bootlegging and Prostitution in Minot, October 29, 1917

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Bootlegging And Prostitution In Minot, October 29, 1917, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated October 29, 1917, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer regarding Gowin's initial findings upon being stationed in Minot, ND. Gowin provides many names, locations and details related to ongoing alcohol shipments and sales and prostitution, describes the situation as dangerous and writes that he believes there are several there who would kill anyone who "told." He reports that the chief of police is a nightly drinker in one of the places, and requests that two men and one woman be assigned to work undercover, as he is a known person there.

See …

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Alcohol Shipment From Montana To Minot, September 3, 1917, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated September 3, 1917, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer reports that a shipment of alcohol is set to arrive in Minot, ND from Montana. Gowin writes that he has become acquainted with a local and asked for 200 to 400 quarts of alcohol, and is informed of 500 pints that were taken to Dad-Marsh's Place. The local also mentions a "dam squeaker" who, if caught, will be lucky to get out of town alive.

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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Bootlegging and Prostitution in Minot, October 29, …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking For Names Of Manufacturers Of Beverages Ladd Has Analyzed And Listed For Langer, July 23, 1917, William Langer

William Langer Papers

Letter dated July 23, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president E. F. Ladd regarding the list of 43 beverages analyzed by Ladd. Langer encloses the list and asks Ladd to "put down after each one the name of the manufacturer which is absolutely in these cases [sic] as far as this office is concerned."

The list of beverages mentioned as enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

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Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Malta Test Results, …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Regarding Feasibility Of A Lawsuit Barring Sale Of Malta And "Kindred Drinks," July 23, 1917, William Langer

William Langer Papers

Letter dated July 23, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president E. F. Ladd asking Ladd's private opinion on whether a lawsuit barring sale of Malta and "kindred drinks" with trace amounts of alcohol would stand up.

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Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Malta Test Results, July 19, 1917

Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Beverage Analysis, July 20, 1917

Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking Whether Ladd …

Letter From Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd To Attorney General Langer Regarding Beverage Analysis, July 20, 1917, E. F. Ladd

William Langer Papers

Letter dated July 20, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president E. F. Ladd to ND Attorney General Langer replying to letter sent to W. C. Heath concerning various beverages. Ladd indicates he would be "very glad" to have an analysis made of the beverages, and encloses a copy of a recent analysis of various soft drink beverages currently on sale in the state, adding that there are a few that he has not been able to acquire, among them a product sold as Bevo.

The list of soft drinks mentioned as being enclosed …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Grand Forks County Sheriff A. F. Turner Requesting Samples Of Malta, July 19, 1917, William Langer

William Langer Papers

Letter dated July 19, 1917 from North Dakota Attorney General Langer to Grand Forks County Sheriff A. F. Turner requesting samples of Malta and several other beverages to be purchased with witnesses present and sent to Prof. E. F. Ladd of Fargo.

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Letter from Grand Forks County Sheriff A. F. Turner to Attorney General Langer Regarding Sales of Malt and Tobacco, July 17, 1917

Letter From Attorney General Langer To W. C. Heath Requesting Samples Of Malta, July 19, 1917, William Langer

William Langer Papers

Letter dated July 19, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General Langer to W. C. Heath requesting samples of Malta and similar beverages be purchased with witnesses present and forwarded to [ND State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president] E. F. Ladd for analysis.

Langer references Heath's letter of July 17th, which included among other labels one for the beverage "Malta," which Langer believes is intoxicating. He gives instruction for purchasing samples and forwarding them to Ladd.

Langer also requests that Heath purchase of cider, as he wishes to stop the sale of hard cider in the state. He …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Sheriff H. E. Collicott Of Hettinger Requesting Samples Of Malta, July 19, 1917, William Langer

William Langer Papers

Letter dated July 19, 1917 from Attorney General Langer to Sheriff H. E. Collicott or Hettinger requesting samples of Malta and several other beverages to be purchased with witnesses present and sent to Prof. E. F. Ladd (North Dakota's Food Commissioner) of Fargo.

See also:

Letter from Attorney General Langer to Sheriff H. E. Collicott Asking What Drinks Are Being Sold in His County, July 13, 1917

Letter from Sheriff H. E. Collicott to Attorney General Langer Regarding Sales of Malt and Tobacco, July 17, 1917

Letter From Foster County Sheriff Theron Cole To Attorney General Langer Regarding Sales Of Malt And Tobacco, July 18, 1917, Theron Cole

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated July 18, 1917, from Foster County Sheriff Theron Cole to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer, Cole replies to Langer's recent request for information on beverages and tobacco being sold in his county.

Cole gives a few specifics in his letter, and also includes a separate detailed list of what is sold and by whom.

Letter From Sheriff H. E. Collicott To Attorney General Langer Regarding Sales Of Malt And Tobacco, July 17, 1917, H. E. Collicot

William Langer Papers

Letter dated July 17, 1917 from Sheriff H. E. Collicott and Deputy J. L. Clement to Attorney General Langer in reply to Langer's earlier request for a list of drinks and tobacco being sold.

Collicot and Clement provide a list of products sold in several towns, including the names of sellers, and mention a tobacco sample they sent under separate cover.

See also:

Letter from Attorney General Langer to Sheriff H. E. Collicott Asking What Drinks Are Being Sold in His County, July 13, 1917

Letter from Attorney General Langer to Sheriff H. E. Collicott of Hettinger Requesting Samples of …