Usher Burdick Papers

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  Statement of Cloyd Wegley to Subcommittee of House Appropriations Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 18. 1954

  Cloyd Wegley

  This statement, dated February 18, 1954, delivered by North Dakota farmer Cloyd Wegley to the Subcommittee on Civil Functions and Military Construction of the United States (US) House Appropriations Committee, during hearings related to the pool level of Garrison Dam, notes that Wegley has lived and farmed in the Lewis and Clark Irrigation Project area since he was 17 years old and has been chosen by the board of directors of the Lewis and Clark and Buford-Trenton Irrigation Projects along the Missouri River to present their views to the committee.

  Wegley explains that a pool level of 1,850 will endanger both irrigation projects, and that the proposed solution of building long dikes, with wells and pumps to collect and transfer seepage back over the dikes, are disporoportionately expensive, untried, and unlikely to work given the technical challenges posed by the the soil type and hydrology of the locations involved.

  Wegley concludes with an appeal for Congress not to allow the Army Engineers to destroy these two valuable irrigation projects with a pool level of 1950 feet.

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  Letter from Marie D. Wells to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 1, 1954

  Marie D. Wells

  This letter, dated March 1, 1954, from Marie D. Wells of Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick concerns the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the Court of Claims. Wells writes that the tribal members want their hearing as soon as possible. The letter has several handwritten notes on it.

  See also:

  Report by Cragun to the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding the Fort Berthold Claims, January 12, 1954

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Spotted Horse Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 12, 1954"

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  Letter from Mary D. Wheeler to Congressman Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 5, 1954

  Mary D. Wheeler

  This letter, dated February 25, 1954, from Mary D. Wheeler of Parshall, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick concerns the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the Court of Claims. Wheeler writes that tribal members want their hearing as soon as possible.

  There is a handwritten note at the bottom of the document that reads "HR98 + HR7281."

  See also:

  Report from Cragun to the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding the Fort Berthold Claims, January 12, 1954

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mary D. Wheeler Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 12, 1954

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  Authorization of Settlement by Lillie Wolf, May 6, 1954

  Lillie E. Wolf

  This document, dated May 6, 1954, by Lillie E. Wolf is an authorization for the settlement (Civil 2386) of land tracts 323-a and 368. The document is handwritten and contains all of the terms of the settlement.

  See also:

  Letter from Brendetta Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lillie Wolf Settlement, May 12, 1954

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Brendetta Black Dog Regarding Lillie Wolf Settlement, May 24, 1954

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  Resolution by the Association for Advancement of American Indians of North Dakota, June 22, 1953

  Association for Advancement of American Indians of North Dakota

  This concurrent resolution, passed June 22, 1953, by the Association for Advancement of American Indians of North Dakota states the Association's support for the freedom of its members to make their own decisions regarding the use of their money derived from the taken area of the Oahe Dam Reservoir, as well as its opposition to a "communistic group system of enterprise in a long range rehabilitation program submitted by the Standing Rock Tribal negotiators to prolong the life of the Indian Reservation System."

  Two of the signee's names are illegible.

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  Excerpt from Fort Berthold Agency Newsletter, January 22, 1953

  Bird Bear, Carl Whitman Jr., Ben Reifel, Marjorie Slocum, and Law and Order Committee

  This excerpt, likely from the Fort Berthold Agency Newsletter, contains the date January 22, 1953, and includes several short articles. The first is a satirical "Application for Release of Interests of the United States" signed by Bird Bear which accounts for the property released which includes a "single buggy, broken down--two wagons, badly in need of repair" and an account of the the reason why, including that "The Great White Father need my land in river bottom."

  There is a letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. which claims that Martin Cross retaliated against him for "exercising one of the Four American Freedoms." The letter is critical of Cross and calls for his expulsion from the Tribal Council.

  There is a note from Superintendent Ben Reifel regarding bookkeeping.

  There is a note regarding free diabetic test from Marjorie Slocum, R. N. who is president of the Thimble Club.

  There is a warning from the Law & Order Committee regarding permits for all horse sales.

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  Letter from James Black Dog to Ernest Wilkinson Regarding Oil Rights, April 18, 1953

  James Black Dog

  This letter, dated April 18, 1953, from James Black Dog to Ernest Wilkinson, is typed on the United States (US) Congress letterhead of US Representative Usher Burdick, and reproduces the text of a telegram sent on the same date by US Representative Usher Burdick to Judge Charles E. Vogel of the US District Court, District of North Dakota, regarding Black Dog's presence in Washington to study pending legislation regarding oil rights on "Indian lands."

  See also:

  Telegram from Usher Burdick to Charles Vogel Regarding Oil Rights, April 18, 1953

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  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Ben F. Jensen Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 13, 1953

  James Black Dog

  This letter, dated May 13, 1953, from James Black Dog of Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation of North Dakota to United States (US) Representative from Iowa Ben F. Jensen attention to an underlined section of an enclosed newspaper clipping which states that members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation received $1,500 per person. Black Dog writes that tribal members actually received $1,000 per person and asks Jensen what happened to the remaining $500. He urges Jensen to "get this to the investigation committee and give me full information on this matter."

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 20, 1953

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  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lillie Wolf, May 11, 1953

  Jamse Black Wolf

  This letter, dated May 11, 1953, from James Black Wolf to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick refers to two letters Black Dog has sent to Burdick: one from Graham Holmes, "attorney for [Black Dog's sister] Lillie E. Wolf," and one from Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent Ben Reifel. Black Dog asks Burdick to give his "advice on the matter.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Relocations Due to Planned Inundation, May 26, 1953

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  Letter from Broeckel, et al., Supporting "Mason Bill," April 16, 1953

  Daphne Broeckel, C. W. Roseman, Bennie Schell, and Art Broeckel

  This handwritten letter, dated April 16, 1953 from Daphne Broeckel and others to United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick, expresses the authors' support for the so-called "Mason Bill," which would repeal a 20% federal admission tax on movie theater tickets.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Dillon Myer Regarding the Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, January 12, 1953

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 12, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Commissioner Dillion S. Meyer refers to an enclosed copy of a petition sent by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross that calls for an investigation of Jefferson B. Smith. Burdick asks Meyer to investigate the petition's allegations and to keep Burdick updated on his findings. A copy of the petition was not found with this letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, December 31, 1952

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding the Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, January 15, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Douglas McKay Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 17, 1953

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated February 17, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Secretary of the Interior Douglas McKay, follows up on Burdick's February 6 letter requesting a hearing for Elizabeth McCleskey's termination. Burdick writes that McCleskey is anxious about her situation and urges McKay to hold a hearing soon. Burdick closes by requesting that McKay contact him soon.

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Douglas McKay Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 6, 1953

  Letter from Douglas McKay to Representative Burdick Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 21, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Douglas McKay Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 6, 1953

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated February 6, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Secretary of the Interior Douglas McKay, outlines the situation surrounding the dismissal of Elizabeth McCleskey from her position as a social worker for the Fort Yates Reservation. Burdick writes that, after examining statements sent to him by those speaking on McCleskey's behalf, he believes she was unfairly treated and should be given a hearing to appeal her dismissal. Burdick closes by stating he does not know McCleskey personally and that his interest in her is out of a sense of justice.

  There is a handwritten card attached with notes for writing the letter.

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Douglas McKay Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 17, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to George Register Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 17, 1953

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated February 17, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Bismarck, North Dakota Attorney George S. Register, responds to Register's letter asking for support in contesting Elizabeth L. McCleskey's wrongful termination from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. Burdick agrees that there seems to be no evidence to warrant her dismissal and says he has already contacted the new Secretary of the Interior to demand a hearing.

  See Also:

  Letter from George Register to Representative Burdick Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 7, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to L. H. Fredricks Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 17, 1953

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated February 17, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Doctor L. H. Fredricks, acknowledges Fredricks' letter on behalf of Elizabeth McCleskey. Burdick agrees that McCleskey was wrongfully terminated and says he has contacted the new Secretary of the Interior to demand a hearing.

  See Also:

  Letter from L. H. Fredricks to Representative Burdick Regarding Elizabeth McCleskey, February 5, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Enclosing a January 17, 1949 Speech, June 18, 1953

  Usher Burdick

  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.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding the Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, January 15, 1953

  Usher Burdick

  This letter from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross informs Cross that Burdick has forwarded the petition calling for the investigation of Jefferson B. Smith to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, as Cross requested.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Dillon Myer Regarding the Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, January 12, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to William Davidson Regarding Land Seizure Precedent, April 16, 1953

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated April 16, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to William S. Davidson, president of the American State Bank in Williston, North Dakota, provides a list of legislation and court precedent for Davidson to quote in "reference to Garrison Dam."

  Each listed case includes quotes from the legislation and details relevant court cases. No additional context for why Burdick has sent this information to Davidson is present in the letter.

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

  Usher Burdick

  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

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Arlo Beggs Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 3, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated February 3, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Burdick to Arlo E. Beggs of Turtle Lake, North Dakota, concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. Burdick writes in response to Begg's letter of January 12 that he has spoken with the office of the US Army Engineers and heard that the US Senate has removed the restriction on the 1,830 foot pool level without stating a new maximum. Burdick adds that the US Army Engineers are acquiring land in the upper parts of the valley which will enable a 1,850 foot pool level. but that he had no information regarding the Turtle Lake Diversion, which would likely be handled by the US Bureau of Reclamation. Burdick concludes by recommending that Beggs call J. J. Walsh, Secretary of the Water Conservation Commission at Bismarck, North Dakota for information about the Turtle Lake Diversion.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Gunther Harms Regarding the Taking of Harms's Land for Garrison Dam, November 16, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  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

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to H. J. Garrett Regarding Mineral Rights, April 6, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated April 6, 1953 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to H. J. Garrett of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, refers to Garrett's letter of April 1 regarding US House Resolution 100. Burdick explains that this legislation would not apply to minerals acquired by the government in the taking area for the Garrison Dam. To cover that situation, he writes, a new bill would have to be introduced for that specific purpose.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 20, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  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 the time of the current letter.

  See also:

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Ben F. Jensen Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 13, 1953

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Relocations Due to Planned Inundation, May 26, 1953

  Usher L. Burdick

  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 at Aberdeen, about her case.

  See also:

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Lillie Wolf, May 11, 1953

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  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

  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 and properties to be moved at government expense while she continues to fight her case in the courts.

  Burdick notes also that US Public Law 437 (HJ Res. 33), passed in the first session of 81st Congress, provides that since a majority of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation has accepted the process of allotments and land sales related to the Garrison Dam, Wolf is bound by this decision.

  Burdick adds that he is sorry he can not be of more help, and sympathizes with Wolf's desire not to give up her rich bottom lands in exchange for poor lands in the relocation area.

  The top of the first page of this letter lists the coordinates of Wolf's land. Also attached to this document were two pages of handwritten notes.

  See also:

  Letter from Laura Knudson to Harry Sellery Regarding Lillie Wolf, October 12, 1953