Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Rose Drags Wolf Regarding Her Possible Relation to Sakakawea, February 25, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 25, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Rose Drags Wolf refers to a visit by member of the Three Affiliate Tribes of Fort Berthold who mentioned to Burdick that Drags Wolf claims to be related to Sakakawea. In this letter, Burdick asks Drags Wolf to inform Burdick of any evidence related to this claim.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Rose Drags Wolf Regarding Per Capita Payments, January 22, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 22, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Rose Drags Wolf, of Van Hook, North Dakota, concerns per capita payments for members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick writes that the present arrangement "just increases their dependency, whereas per capita payments would give them a greater degree of independence than they have ever known before."

  He closes with a pledge to "support any move that gives the Indian independence and enable (sic) him to 'pull himself up by his own bootstraps.'"

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik Regarding Indian Bureau Hospitals, February 13, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, from United States (UIS) Representative Usher Burdick to North Dakota Public Health Officer Russel O. Saxvik refers to Saxvik's letter of February 5 enclosing a resolution by the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission regarding the transfer of the Indian Bureau hospitals to the US Public Health Service.

  Burdick explains that he is "in favor of any program that will serve the best interest of the Indians and which will work toward their assimilation into the community life of the Whites," and that will "improve conditions for them, be it their health, income or freedom from supervision of the Indian Bureau and make them self-sustaining, self-respecting and respected members of the communities in which they live."

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik Regarding Medical Care, January 29, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik Regarding Medical Care, January 29, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 29, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik concerns medical care for the indigenous population of North Dakota. The letter states that Burdick wishes to continue receiving information from the State Health Council.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik Regarding Indian Bureau Hospitals, February 13, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to S. W. Thompson Regarding Lost Bridge Road, March 21, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated March 21, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to North Dakota State Highway Commissioner S. W. Thompson, replies to Thompson's earlier letter concerning Lost Bridge Road. Burdick says he has met with John Hart to discuss the issue and that funding for the road will be addressed at a later time. Burdick indicates he supports building the road, provided it does not cost too much, because the Fort Berthold tribal members deserve a road in the area they are being forced to relocate to.

  See Also:

  Letter from S. W. Thompson to Representative Burdick Regarding Lost Bridge Road, March 14, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Ferguson Regarding Garrison Dam Lands, February 28, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 28, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Walter Ferguson (spelled "Fergusen" in an earlier letter from Burdick; the more common "Ferguson" was chosen for both entries) of White Earth, North Dakota (ND) concerns the size of Garrison Dam and how many acres of land it will require. In it, Burdick reminds Ferguson of his opposition the US Army Engineers buying up enough land for a 23 million acre-feet pool of water under the dam and repeats the recommendation he made in his last letter to Ferguson, that the latter should contact Bigelow Neal of Sanish, ND who is working on the issue.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Ferguson Regarding Garrison Dam Lands, January 2, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Ferguson Regarding Garrison Dam Lands, January 2, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 2, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Walter Ferguson (spelled "Fergusen" in this letter and "Ferguson" in a subsequent letter from Burdick; the more common "Ferguson" was chosen as the spelling for both entries) of White Earth, North Dakota concerns the size of Garrison Dam and how many acres of land it will require. The letter states that Burdick is doing all he can to prevent the US Army Engineers from building a pool of more than 17 million acre-feet and that he suggests Ferguson not yet make a deal to sell his land. The letter concludes that Ferguson should contact Bigelow Neal who is working on the issue. See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Ferguson Regarding Garrison Dam Lands, February 28, 1952

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  Letter from U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick to Jerome Has Tricks Regarding the Release of Leo Running Bear from the Army, October 09, 1952.

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated October 09, 1952, from U.S. Representative Usher Burdick to Jerome Has Tricks, updates Has Tricks on the case of Leo Running Bear. Burdick tells Has Tricks here that the Camp McCoy Headquarters have been directed to withdraw charges against Running Bear, and he is in process of being released from the service of the Army.

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  Letter from U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick to Jerome Has Tricks Regarding the Timing of Leo Running Bear's Discharge, September 02, 1952.

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated September 02, 1952, from Usher L. Burdick to Jerome Has Tricks, lets Has Tricks know how soon Running Bear can be discharged from the service.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to A. M. Winge Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, January 2, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated January 2, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mrs. A. M. Winge concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. In it, Burdick explains that, when Wenge's previously letter arrived, he was in the hospital at Williston. He assures Winge that he is doing all he can to prevent the US Army Engineers from taking land above the 1,830 foot level, at which the pool would not affect Van Hook, and concludes by stating that he does not believe the US Army Engineers will win in court.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to A. O. Wang Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 15, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated February 15, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. A. O. Wang, County Auditor of Williams County, North Dakota, concerns the Garrison Dam pool level. Burdick thanks Wang for sending a copy of a board resolution from February 8 regarding the pool level, writing that he is glad to see the board has not changed its stance and that he will continue to fight for the 1,830 foot level.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Eugene Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Land Acquisition, August 21, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated August 21, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to his son, Williston Attorney Eugene Burdick, refers to a claim by made by Eugene that they can't get around the order of the US Secretary of Defense regarding land acquisition for a reservoir larger than that provided by law. Usher Burdick refers to an enclosed 1888 law with all its amendments which he says shows that the US Secretary of Defense may only take actions "FOR WHICH PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE BY LAW" (emphasis in original), and that the Amendment of 1938 merely confers the same authority in regard to dams as it does to river and harbor improvements.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Hearing on Three Bills of Interest, March 20, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated March 20, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Jim (James) Black Dog of Elbowoods, North Dakota concerns a hearing on three bills of interest to be held by the US House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs on April 4, 1952 at 10am. Burdick suggests that Black Dog gather his group so they can present their testimony at that time.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Marion Clausen Regarding Land Patents, August 4, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated August 4, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Bureau of Land Management Director Marion Clausen concerns land patents 1133570 and 1133027. In it, Burdick corrects his previous letter of July 25, which claimed to include a letter from Nelson Mason related to an error in patent descriptions, but did not. This August 4 letter corrects that lapse by including Mason's letter.

  See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to Marion Clausen Regarding Land Patents, July 25, 1952

  Letter from William Pincus to Representative Burdick Regarding Land Patents, August 21, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Marion Clausen Regarding Land Patents, July 25, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated July 25, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Bureau of Land Management Director Marion Clausen concerns land patents 1133570 and 1133027. Burdick references enclosed an enclosed letter from Nelson A. Mason related to an error in these land patents for Richland County, North Dakota. The letter asks Clausen for a report on the matter.

  See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to Nelson Mason Regarding Land Patents, July 22, 1952

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Marion Clausen Regarding Land Patents, August 4, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Nelson Mason Regarding Land Patents, August 26, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated August 26, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Bismarck Attorney Nelson Mason concerns land patents 1133570 and 1133027. Burdick references a letter he received from the US Department of the Interior related to correction of the errors in the land descriptions in the two patents.

  See also:

  Letter from William Pincus to Representative Burdick Regarding Land Patents, August 21, 1952

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Nelson Mason Regarding Land Patents, August 26, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Nelson Mason Regarding Land Patents, July 22, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated July 22, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Bismarck Attorney Nelson A. Mason, concerns land patents 1133570 and 1133027. Burdick acknowledges Mason's letter of July 15 which quotes Mason's June 14 letter to the US Secretary of the Interior. Burdick states that he is taking up the matter of the error in the patents.

  See also: Letter from Nelson Mason to Representative Burdick Regarding Land Patents, July 15, 1952

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Marion Clausen Regarding Land Patents, July 25, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Nelson Mason Regarding Land Patents, May 15, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated May 15, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Nelson Mason is a reply to Mason's letter of May 12, in which Mason asks Burdick's in clearing the deeds on two tracts of land in Richland County on which Mason has received patents from the US Bureau of Land Management.

  Burdick writes that he is unsure how to help Mason since Mason has not specified the nature of the error in the two patents. Burdick includes the descriptions of the two patents he obtained from the US Bureau of Land Management and asks Mason to write back explaining exactly what the error in the description was, and to include the legal description for the land for which he made the application for patent.

  See also:

  Letter from Nelson Mason to Representative Burdick Regarding Land Patents, May 12, 1952

  Letter from Nelson Mason to Albert Funfar Regarding Land Patents, May 17, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Nora Baker Regarding Per Capita Payments, January 15, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated January 15, 1952 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Mrs. Nora Baker of Van Hook, North Dakota expresses Burdick's thanks for Baker's recent letter and his pledge to help in securing per capita payments for her people.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to President Glenn J. Talbott Regarding Sending Copies of a Bulletin for Flood Sufferers, May 6, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated May 6, 1952 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to North Dakota Farmers Union President Glenn J. Talbott informs Talbott that Burdick is sending one hundred copies of a US government bulletin regarding methods for flood sufferers to rehabilitate themselves.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to William Pincus Regarding Land Patents, August 26, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated August 26, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Assistant Director of the US Bureau of Land Management William Pincus acknowledges Pincus's letter of August 21 regarding land patents 1133570 and 1133027, which Burdick had written the Bureau about on behalf of Bismarck attorney Nelson A. Mason.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Nelson Mason Regarding Land Patents, August 26, 1952

  Letter from Nelson Mason to William Zimmerman Regarding Land Patents, December 2, 1952

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  Letter from Representive Burdick to J. M. Carter Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 13, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated February 13, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. J. M. Carter of White Earth, North Dakota, concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. Burdick writes that he does not know the exact level at which the land will be flooded by the dam and therefore does not know if Carter's land will be flooded, but suggests that since the US Army Engineers has offered to buy the land it likely will be flooded. He adds that if Carter sells it, the land should be able to get around $75.00 per acre rather than $46.00 and that if it sells to be sure to retain mineral rights. The letter then suggests going to Bigelow Neal at Sanish, North Dakota for advice.

  On a separate matter, Burdick writes that he does not think a seed loan for Williams Country "could be done," adding, "Wiith all the oil money coming in, the county ought to be able to handle this itself."

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  The Indian Bureau's Drive for Increased Police Powers, April 3, 1952

  Felix S. Cohen

  This legal opinion dated April 3, 1952, by Attorney Felix S. Cohen, rebuts the reasoning and support the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs has given United States (US) Senate Bill 2543 and US House Resolution, which which, he writes, would "make Indians subject to arrest without warrant if they violate Indian Bureau regulations."

  Cohen goes about this by examining each of what he refers to as twenty-one "excuses and justifications" offered by the Indian Bureau in support of this legislation and counters them with legal precedent and existing laws. In closing, Cohen notes that legislation of this type was passed "in 1858, and it took until May 18, 1934 to get that legislation repealed."

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, December 13, 1952

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated December 13, 1952, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses a petition calling for the investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes who is employed at the Fort Berthold Agency at Elbowoods, North Dakota. The petition outlines the basis for the complaint and is signed by 24 people, including Martin Cross. Cross's note with the petition expresses disappointment that Burdick was not there to personally receive the petition when Cross went to see him on December 13. Cross requests immediate action on the petition. The petition is enclosed with this document. There are some handwritten notes and corrections on the petition.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Unnamed Recipient Regarding Representative Burdick, December 13, 1952

  Letter from Eugene Burdick to Representative Burdick Regarding Letter from Martin Cross and a Missed Appointment, December 15, 1952

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Forwarding a Resolution from the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee Adopted on December 7, January 29, 1952

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated January 29, 1952, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses a resolution passed on December 7, 1951 by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee. The enclosed resolution endorses the proposed Fort Berthold Medical Program which is a plan to provide medical care for members of the Three Affiliated Tribes following the closing of their hospital in Elbowoods due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. The resolution is signed by Joseph Blonigan, Chairman, and R. W. Quinn, Secretary. The resolution is included with this document.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for Forwarding Resolution Adopted on December 7 by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee, February 4, 1952

  Congressional Record (Senate), February 7, 1952 Vol. 98, Part 1--Bound Edition