Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Thanking Cross For Sending The Quarterly Delinquency Report Of The Fort Berthold Loan Clients, October 18, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated October 18, 1954, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross his letter of October 15th which enclosed the "Quarterly Delinquency Report of the Fort Berthold Loan clients of the Corporation Credit Fund" and "Trial Balance of Fort Berthold Tribal Enterprises."

The letter contains some handwritten annotations.

Letter From Irene Martin Edwards On Behalf Of Senator Langer To Martin Cross Thanking Him For Sending The Resolution Adopted By The Tribal Business Council, September 1, 1954, Irene Martin Edwards

William Langer Papers

This letter dated September 1, 1954, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending the resolutions recently passed by the Tribal Business Council.

A handwritten note on the letter says, "Cross, Martin."

See also:

Three Affiliated Tribes Resolutions sent from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Pertaining to Redistricting and Per-Capita Payments, August 18, 1954

Three Affiliated Tribes Resolutions Sent From Martin Cross To Senator Langer Pertaining To Redistricting And Per-Capita Payments, August 18, 1954, Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, Martin Cross

William Langer Papers

These resolutions, adopted by the Three Affiliated Tribes Business Council on August 18, 1954, were sent by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer. The first resolution proposes redistricting the Fort Berthold Reservation for better tribal council representation. The second resolution pertains to the distribution of funds held in trust for the Three Affiliated Tribes from the construction of the Garrison Dam. The council has resolved to support the distribution of funds as per-capita payments. The letter enclosing these resolutions from Cross to Langer is dated August 27, 1954. In the letter, Cross …

Providing For The Acquisition Of Lands By The United States Required For The Reservoir Created By The Construction Of Oahe Dam On The Missouri River And For Rehabilitation Of The Indians Of The Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, S. Dak., United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This report from the United States (US Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, dated August 17, 1954, was written to accompany US House Resolution 2233 which recommended that the United States acquire additional lands for construction of the Oahe Dam. Construction of the Oahe Dam required that the US Government take lands from the Cheyenne River Sioux, similar to the taking of lands from the Three Affiliated Tribes. This report recommends amendments to US House Resolution 2233, including a recommendation that the contract with the Cheyenne River Sioux require only a majority vote of enrolled adult tribal members, as …

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross With A Reply From The Department Of The Interior Regarding The Extraction Of Oil And Gas From The Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, July 29, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 29, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, encloses a report from Assistant Secretary Orme Lewis of the US Department of the Interior regarding oil and gas leases on land taken from the Three Affiliated Tribes for the construction of the Garrison Dam. In the enclosed report, dated July 16, 1954, Lewis says that per the US Bureau of Land Management, all oil and gas leases are suspended pending current legislation that aims to return oil and gas rights and land interests to the Three Affiliated Tribes. …

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Regarding Proposed Amendment To Public Law 280, July 20, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 20, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for contacting Langer about the July 8th hearings regarding a proposed amendment to US Public Law 280. Langer informs Cross that the bill is still under consideration.

There are some handwritten notes on the letter.

See also:

An Act to Confer Jurisdiction on the States of California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin, with Respect to Criminal Offenses and Civil Causes of Action Committed or Arising on Indian Reservations Within Such States, and for Other Purposes (US Public …

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Declining Invitation To A Meeting Regarding Release Of Tribal Funds, July 14, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated July 14, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, declines Cross's invitation to attend a meeting in New Town, North Dakota July 15-17 regarding the release of tribal funds. Langer indicates that his work prevents him from leaving. A handwritten note on the telegram reads, "Cross, Martin."

See also:

Telegram from Martin Cross to William Langer Inviting Langer to a Meeting Regarding Release of Tribal Funds in US Treasury, July 13, 1954

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Regarding House Resolution 4985, June 21, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 21, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, acknowledges Cross's telegram regarding US House Resolution 4985 (H.R. 4985). Langer informs Cross that the bill is still before the US House Committee, but if and when it comes to the Senate, Langer will do what he can. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."

See also:

Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Requesting that Langer Oppose House Resolution 4985, June 10, 1954

Letter From Orme Lewis To Senator Langer Regarding The Inquiry About The Leasing Of Oil And Gas On Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, June 15, 1954, Orme Lewis

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 15, 1954, from Assistant Secretary of the United States (US) Department of the Interior Orme Lewis to US Senator William Langer, replies to Langer's June 9th letter regarding oil and gas leases on land taken from the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation for construction of the Garrison Dam. Lewis indicates that US Assistant Secretary Aanandahl's office asked Lewis to reply. Lewis says that he has requested a report and will write back with more detail.

See also:

Letter from Senator Langer to Fred Aandahl Regarding the Telegram from Martin Cross Requesting the Leasing …

Telegram From Irene Edwards On Behalf Of Senator Langer Acknowledging The Receipt Of Martin Cross's Telegram, June 14, 1954, Irene Martin Edwards

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated June 14, 1954, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer, acknowledges receipt of Cross's telegram. Edwards says that she will hold Cross's telegram for when Langer returns. There are some handwritten notes and shorthand notes on the telegram.

Letter From Senator Langer To Fred Aandahl Regarding The Telegram From Martin Cross Requesting The Leasing Of Oil And Gas On Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, June 9, 1954, Fred Aandahl

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 9, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Lange to Assistant Secretary of the US Department of the Interior Fred G. Aandahl, encloses a telegram from "North Dakota Indian tribes" in reference to oil and gas leases on land belonging to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer asks Aandahl if he can handle the matter. The telegram referenced here is likely the one sent from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross on June 5, 1954. The telegram is not enclosed with this document.

See also:

Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator …

Telegram From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Stating That Langer Will Do Everything He Can Regarding The Leasing Of Oil And Gas On Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, June 9, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated June 9, 1954, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, tells Cross that Langer will do all that he can. This is likely in reply to Cross's June 5th telegram which asked Langer if he could help stop the oil and gas leases on land taken from the Three Affiliated Tribes for the Garrison Dam. A handwritten not on the telegram reads, "Cross, Martin."

See also:

Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking Langer to Prevent Leasing of Oil and Gas from the Fort Berthold Reservation Lands June 5, …

Letter From Senator Langer To Anson Baker Regarding Per-Capita Payment Plan, May 25, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated May 25, 1954, from United States Senator William Langer to Anson A. Baker of Rosebud, South Dakota, thanks Baker for his recent letter regarding the per-capita payments plan that is currently in Washington, D.C. Langer notes that Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross is representing the tribes, and Langer says that he will do what he can to assist Cross.

A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."

Telegram From Senator Langer To Patrick Gourneau Letting Him Know That Martin Cross Arrived In Washington And Langer Will Help Him Every Way Possible, May 21, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated May 21, 1954, from United States Senator William Langer to Turtle Mountain Advisory Committee Chairperson Patrick Gourneau, lets Gourneau know that Martin Cross has arrived (presumably in Washington, D.C.) and that Langer will help in every way possible.

There are some handwritten notes on the telegram.

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Telegram from Patrick Gourneau to Senator Langer Requesting Langer Assist Martin Cross on his Mission in Washington, D.C., May 19, 1954

Telegram From Senator Langer To Ernest Smith Assuring Smith That Langer Will Do Everything Possible To Assist Martin Cross, May 20, 1954, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated May 20, 1954, from United States Senator William Langer to Chairperson Ernest H. Smith of the Devil's Lake Sioux Tribe Council, is a reply wherein Langer tells Smith that he will do whatever he can for Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross.

There are some handwritten notes on the telegram.

Telegram From Patrick Gourneau To Senator Langer Requesting Langer Assist Martin Cross On His Mission In Washington, D.C., May 19, 1954, Patrick Gourneau

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated May 19, 1954, from Turtle Mountain Advisory Committee Chairperson Patrick Gourneau to United States Senator William Langer, asks Langer to support Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross in every way possible "on his mission there" which is likely a reference to a trip to Washington, D.C..

There are some shorthand notes on the telegram.

See also:

Telegram from Senator Langer to Patrick Gourneau Letting him Know that Martin Cross Arrived in Washington and Langer will Help him Every Way Possible, May 21, 1954

River Basin Surveys Papers, No. 7: Archeological Investigations In The Oahe Dam Area, South Dakota, 1950-51, Donald J. Lehmer, Smithsonian Institution, Bureau Of American Ethnology

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

Published as a series sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology, the “River Basin Surveys Papers” are a collection of archeological investigations focused on areas now flooded by the completion of various dam projects in the United States. The River Basin Surveys Papers (numbered 1-39) were mostly published in bundles with 5-6 papers in each bundle. In collaboration with the United States (US) National Park Service and the US Bureau of Reclamation, the US Department of the Interior, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Smithsonian Institution pulled archeological and paleontological remains from several sites prior to …

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 …

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 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 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 …

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 …

Providing That No Further Funds Shall Be Appropriated For The Further Construction Of The Garrison Dam Until An Investigation Be Made By A Special Committe Of The House Of Representatives, Us Congress

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This resolution, dated April 20, 1953, begins by outlining the complaint that the US Corp of Army Engineers, acting on its own and in violation of several stipulations of the original act authorizing the construction of the Garrison Dam, has decided to increase the water pool area by 6,000,000 acre-feet and the raise the surface height of the pool by twenty feet. This has required the construction of dikes that were not part of the authorized project, and led to the acquisition of more land around the reservoir, which the Corp has been acquiring using tactics that deprive the owners …

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Thanking Cross For The Sending A Copy Of The Resolution Adopted By The Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding The Us Commissioner Of Indian Affairs, February 3, 1953, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated February 3, 1953, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his letter enclosing a copy of the resolution adopted by the Three Affiliated Tribes endorsing Ed Milligan for US Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Langer informs Cross that he doesn't have "much say" in appointments of that type.

A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."

See also:

Resolution Adopted by the Three Affiliated Tribes Pertaining to Endorsement of Candidate for Commissioner of Indian Affairs, December 27, 1953; Preceded by Cover Letter from Martin Cross, January …