Usher Burdick Papers

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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

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

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated December 31, 1952, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick expresses Cross's disappointment that Burdick missed their December 13 appointment, though Cross accepts the reason Burdick had to leave. Cross explains the nature of the petition that he mailed and provides some details on the issue. Cross suggests that Burdick forward the petition to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. There is a handwritten note on the letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding a Missed Appointment, December 19, 1952

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

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated December 13, 1952, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to an unnamed recipient (likely Eugene Burdick based on other correspondences in this chain) expresses Cross's disappointment in United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick for missing an appointment with Cross. Cross asks if the addressee can write to Usher regarding a petition that Cross is mailing.

  See also:

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

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  Letter from Dale E. Doty Regarding Response from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Burdick's Letter Attempting to Resolve Current Tribal Conflict, January 24, 1952

  Dale E. Doty

  This letter dated January 24, 1952 from United States (US) Assistant Secretary of the Interior Dale E. Doty to US Representative Usher Burdick updates Burdick on the status of the tribal conflict that Burdick is attempting to help resolve. Doty reports that after receiving Burdick's letter, tribal members Oscar Burr, Percy Rush, Rufus Stevenson, and Jim Blackdog (also refered to elsewhere as James Black Dog) had a meeting with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. In that meeting, they were informed of how they may proceed with their complaint. Doty provides additional information regarding their options for hiring an attorney.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar L. Chapman Enclosing a Letter to Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes Which Burdick Hopes Will Help Resolve Current Tribal Conflict, January 14, 1952

  Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Calling for the Ousting of Current Tribal Council and Immediate Special Election to Appoint New Council Sent from Black Dog to Oscar Burr for Circulation, February 8, 1952

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  Letter from H. F. Gierke, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding Money Paid to the Three Affiliated Tribes and the Relocation of the Agency, March 15, 1952

  H. F. Gierke Jr.

  This letter, dated March 15, 1952, from H. F. Gierke Jr. of Watford City, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick remarks on the call for an investigation of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation and discusses several issues related to the Three Affiliated Tribes. Gierke says that he owns land on the reservation and therefore has an interest in happenings on the reservation. Gierke talks about how he sees tribal members on the reservation spending their money and talks about land sales. He also comments on the location of the new agency, presumably the Indian Agency.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to H. F. Gierke, Jr. Informing of an April 4 Hearing That Will Address Complaints Made by Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes and Others Including Those Made by Gierke, March 24, 1952

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  Letter from H.F. Gierke, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding Questions He Wishes to See Addressed at April 4 Hearing, March 28, 1952

  H. F. Gierke Jr.

  This letter, dated March 28, 1952, from H. F. Gierke, Jr. of Watford City, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick includes some questions that Gierke thinks need to be addressed at the April 4 hearing investigating complaints from Three Affiliated Tribes members. Gierke's questions pertain to wells that were drilled for water, extraction of timber from the area to be flooded by completion of the Garrison Dam, improvement of prospective homes, and the location of the new Indian Agency.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to H. F. Gierke, Jr. Informing of an April 4 Hearing That Will Address Complaints Made by Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes and Others Including Those Made by Gierke, March 24, 1952

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  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to A. E. Keller Regarding Per Capita Payments, June 5 1922

  Laura Knudson

  This letter, dated June 5, 1952, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of the office of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. AE Keller concerns per capita payments. The letter states that Knudson expects Keller's younger, indigenous daughter should have received a payment at the same time as his older daughter. The letter suggests that Keller take up the issue with the Tribal Business Council who Knudson describes as disorganized.

  See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to A. E. Keller Regarding Per Capita Payments, March 31, 1952

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  Letter from Laura Knudson for Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Per Capita Payments, July 18, 1952

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter, dated July 18, 1952, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of the office of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Jim (James) Black Dog is Knudson's response to Black Dog's phone call regarding matters that Knudson then took up with US Senator Milton Young's office. Knudson explains why Lilly Wolf had $200 deducted from her per capita payment of $1,600, and referring to James Smith, whom Black Dog had claimed had not been paid for 3 weeks of labor, suggests Black Dog contact Martin Cross, or take the matter up with the Tribal Council.

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  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to George Stephenson Regarding Health of American Indians, November 12, 1952

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter dated November 12, 1952, from Legislative Assistant Laura Page Knudson, on behalf of United States House Representative Usher Burdick, to George S. Stephenson, refers to a letter Stephenson sent to to Sam Stern of Fargo, who sent it on to Burdick. Knudson writes that Burdick is in North Dakota but that she will bring the letter to his attention upon his return. Knudson closes with an assurance that Burdick will do what he can to rectify poor conditions for indigenous people in the United States.

  See Also:

  Letter from Sam Stern to Representative Burdick Regarding George Stephenson, November 4, 1952

  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to Sam Stern Regarding George Stephenson, November 10, 1952

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  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to Sam Stern Regarding George Stephenson, November 10, 1952

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter dated November 10, 1952, from Legislative Assistant Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Sam Stern, Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, responds to Stern's letter of November 4 which enclosed a letter from former North Dakota resident and self-described "member of the Sioux tribe of Indians" George S. Stephenson. Knudson writes that Burdick is in North Dakota but that she will bring the letters to his attention when he returns, closing with an affirmation of Burdick's commitment to "the welfare of the Indians."

  See Also:

  Letter from Sam Stern to Representative Burdick Regarding George Stephenson, November 4, 1952

  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to George Stephenson Regarding Health of American Indians, November 12, 1952

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  Letter from US Senator William Langer to Representative Burdick Regarding Bill to Extend Expiration Date of Act Authorizing the Negotiation and Ratification of Certain Contracts with Certain Indians of the Sioux Tribe in Order to Extend the Time for Negotiation and Approval of Such Contracts, January 22, 1952

  William Langer

  This letter, dated January 22, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Representative Usher L. Burdick, refers to an attached bill Langer has introduced to amend the law called "An Act to authorize the negotiation and ratification of separate settlement contracts with the Sioux Indians of Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota and of Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota and North Dakota for Indian lands and rights acquired by the United States for the Oahe Dam and Reservoir, Missouri River development, and for other related purposes," also known as Public Law 81-870. Langer's amendment would increase the amount of time allowed for negotiation and ratification from twenty-eight months to forty months. Langer explains that this amendment was prompted by a letter he received from Bismarck Attorney J. K. Murray petitioning Langer to offer such an amendment to prevent Public Law 81-870 from expiring before negotiation and ratification were completed, and Langer asks Burdick to offer a corresponding amendment in the US House of Representatives.

  See also:

  Draft of Bill To Amend the Act Authorizing the Negotiation and Ratification of Certain Contracts with Certain Indians of the Sioux Tribe in Order to Extend the Time for Negotiation and Approval of Such Contracts, 1952

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

  Nelson Mason

  This letter, dated May 17, 1952, from Nelson Mason to Albert Funfar of the Register of Deeds office of Richland County, North Dakota refers to homestead entries in Richland County.

  In an earlier letter to United States (US) Representative Usher Burckick, Mason had explained to Burdick that he was told by the Richland County Register of Deeds that there was an error in the descriptions of the tracts of land for which he he wished to record deeds, and that the error prevented him from recording the deeds

  In this letter Mason explains that "a friend in Congress," has checked and found that the descriptions agree with the US Bureau of Land Management records for the tracts. As a result, Mason writes, he is at a loss as to where any error appears in these legal descriptions and asks that Funfar point out said error.

  Mason notes as well that copies have been sent to the US Bureau of Land Management, US Representative Usher Burdick, and John Bradford.

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

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