Usher Burdick Papers

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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

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

  Nelson Mason

  This letter, dated July 15, 1952, from Nelson Mason to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick explains that on June 14, Mason sent a letter to the US Secretary of the Interior inquiring about the status of two land patents as they pertained to an error in their descriptions identified by Richland County Register of Deeds Albert Funfar in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Mason includes the text of that letter in this one to Burdick. The included text contains the descriptions of each land patent and explains that the error identified by Funfar had the tract situated two miles above instead of directly on the state line. Mason writes that he has received no further information from the Richland County Auditor's office. He goes on to note that the US Bureau of Land Management, formally named the US General Land Office, is located in Billings, Montana, and asks, "Where do we get from here?"

  A second copy of this letter was found with different marginal annotations, and is included in this entry.

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

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

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

  Nelson Mason

  This letter, dated May 12, 1952, from Nelson Mason to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick makes reference to patents Mason has received from the US Bureau of Land Management for two designated tracts in Richland County. Mason writes that when he attempted to record the deeds for these tracts, the Register of Deeds advised him there appears to be an error in the description of the tracts. Having already waited 10 years to obtain the title, Mason expresses hope that Burdick will be able to help him clear the issue.

  See also:

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

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

  Nelson Mason

  This letter, dated December 2, 1952, from Fargo Attorney Nelson Mason to Assistant Director of the United States (US) Bureau of Land Management William Zimmerman concerns land patents 1133570 and 1133027. In the letter Mason quotes, in full, a letter he received from Richland County North Dakota State Attorney Pat Malloy, in which Malloy explains the reason behind the discrepancy in the land descriptions and this and concludes that the patents need added language indicating that the properties lie in the Lake Traverse Lands area, which is the old Sisseton and Wahpeton Indian Reservation. Mason's goes on to state that he hopes the quoted letter will be helpful in getting the legal descriptions sorted.

  See also:

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

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  Letter from Nelson Mason to Representative Burdick Regarding Legislature Seat for Fort Yates Indians, November 1, 1952

  Nelson A. Mason

  This letter dated November 1, 1952, from Attorney Nelson A. Mason to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, informs Burdick of a visit to Mason's office by Fort Yates tribal members wherein they expressed interest in securing a seat for "Indians" in the legislature. Mason writes that he told the Fort Yates tribal members about a similar situation in Maine, and includes a letter from Samuel H. Slosberg that speaks to how members from Maine's indigenous nations sit in as consultants for the state legislature on legislation that will affect them. Mason closes by saying there seems to be genuine interest in implementing something similar in North Dakota.

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  Letter from D. S. Myer to Senator Langer Regarding Demands by James Black Dog et al. for an Audit of All Tribal Moneys Collected and Expended since 1910, March 5, 1952

  D. S. Myer

  This letter, dated March 5, 1952, from D. S. Myer, Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs to US Senator William Langer, makes reference to Langer's letter of February 14 describing a resolution shown to Langer by James Black Dog of Elbowoods, North Dakota demanding an audit of all tribal funds collected and expended by the Three Affiliated Tribes since 1910.

  Myer explains that prior to June 29, 1936 authority to administer funds was vested in the US Department of the Interior, and since then the Constitution and bylaws of the Three Affiliated Tribes have provided for annual audits and the maintenance of "accurate and complete public accounts of the affairs of the tribes," (emphasis in original) including credits, debts, debits and assignments, as well as an annual report and balance sheet submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

  Myer writes that, given the exiting audits and documentation, an audit by the US Department of the Interior should not be necessary.

  Myer goes on to address Black Dog's request for information regarding interest earned on the monies paid to the tribe in return for lands taken in connection with the construction of the Garrison Dam, explaining the interest rates and policies regarding the use of principal and interest, before enumerating the efforts made by the Tribal Council and Bureau of Indian Affairs to keep tribal members informed on the particulars related to tribal funds in general and funds related to the compensation for damages associated with Garrison Dam in particular.

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  Letter from Office of Representative Usher Burdick to Floyd Montclair Regarding Per Capita Payments, November 12, 1951

  Office of Representative Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated November 12, 1951, from the office of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Member Floyd Montclair concerns per capita payments. The author thanks Montclair for his letter of November 9 and an enclosed resolution by the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, and assures Montclair that the message has been forwarded to Burdick, who is currently in Williston.

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  Letter from the Office of Representative Burdick to Phil Thoeny Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, April 18, 1952

  Office of Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 18, 1952, from an unnamed administrative assistant of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Phil Thoeny of Press Publications in Williston, North Dakota, replies to a letter from Theony regarding the pool level of the Garrison Dam Reservoir. Burdick's assistant refers to an enclosed brief prepared by Burdick in 1949 regarding the legal aspects of the issue, which, the assistant writes, should leave no doubt that there is no legal authority for raising the pool level beyond 17 million acre feet.

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

  William Pincus

  This letter, dated August 21, 1952, from William Pincus of the United States (US) Bureau of Land Management to US Representative Usher Burdick concerns land patents 1133570 and 1133027. Pincus refers to correspondence from Nelson Mason regarding errors in the descriptions of lands in two patents. Pincus encloses copies of two decisions by the US Bureau of Land Management amending the certifications in each case to describe the lands as being south of the Sisseton and Wahpeton Indian Reservation boundary and canceling the previous patents and their records to be replaced with the new ones.

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

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

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  Unsigned Resolution from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes Requesting Removal of James E. Curry as Tribal Attorney, March 5, 1952

  Representatives of the Dissatisfied Indians on the Fort Berthold Reservation

  This unsigned resolution, dated March 5, 1952, from "the representatives of the dissatisfied Indians on the Fort Berthold Reservation of North Dakota" calls for the removal of James E. Curry from the position of Tribal Attorney for the Three Affiliated Tribes. The resolution provides five points that serve as the basis of the complaint against Curry.

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  Telegram Sent to Representative Burdick Regarding the Tribal Council in Washington, D.C., March 18, 1952

  Percy Rush

  This telegram, dated March 18, 1952, signed by "Rush" is presumably from Percy Rush (based on other correspondences around this time) to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick. The telegram informs Burdick that the tribal council has left for Washington, D.C. and requests that Burdick "hold everything" until "the US Delegates" get there. The telegrams says that "our hearing" is April 1 at 10 am.

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  Letter from Lt. Colonel Geo. R. Salyer, Adjutant General, to U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick Regarding Withdrawing Charges Against Leo Running Bear and Releasing him from the Army, October 07, 1952

  Geo R. Salyer

  This letter, dated October 07, 1952, from Lt. Colonel Geo R. Salyer, Adjutant General, to U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick, updates Burdick on the case of Leo Running Bear. Salyer writes that "higher Headquarters" have directed "this headquarters" to withdraw charges against Running Bear and release him from the Army. Salyer states that Running Bear will soon be returned to civilian status.

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  Pick-Sloan Plan: Retrospects and Prospects

  Merrell Quentin Sharpe

  This pamphlet dated December 1, 1952, by Merrell Quentin Sharpe, former governor of South Dakota, addresses the Pick-Sloan Plan. According to Sharpe, the purpose of the pamphlet is "to furnish all the useful information and make all the helpful suggestions concerning the Pick-Sloan Plan." Some of the main topics addressed include: effects, conflicts, value, plan of action, criticisms, flooding, navigation, and power. This paper was presented to the Missouri River States Committee of Governors and Inter-Agency Committee in Omaha, Nebraska.

  See Also:

  An Act Authorizing Construction of Certain Public Works on Rivers and Harbors for Flood Control, and for Other Purposes

  Missouri River Basin: Letter from the Secretary of War Transmitting a Letter from the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, Dated December 31, 1943, Submitting a Report Together with Accompanying Papers and Illustrations, on a Review of Reports on the Missouri River, for Flood Control Along the Main Stem from Sioux City, Iowa, to the Mouth, Required by a Resolution of the Committee on Flood Control, House of Representatives, Adopted on May 13, 1943

  Missouri River Basin: Conservation, Control, and Use of Water Resources of the Missouri River Basin in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri (Report by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes on Bureau of Reclamation's Plan for Basin Development.)

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  Letter from Marjorie Slocum to Representative Burdick Regarding Unfair Treatment by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, March 27, 1952

  Marjorie Slocum

  This letter, dated March 27, 1952, from Marjorie Slocum of Elbowoods, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick details her complaints of unfair treatment by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council. She mentions enrollment issues, per capita payments, an incident where a cow of hers was shot, non-reimubrsement for relocation of her home due to flooding by the Garrison Dam, and appraisal of her property. Slocum says that she read in the Agency Bulletin about Burdick's investigation of the Tribal Council and hoped that he could help her with the problems she has been having. The letter says that the Bulletin article is enclosed, but it was not included with this document.

  See also: Article: "Burdick Asks for Investigation of Tribal Council," March 15, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to A. C. Stenerson Regarding Garrison Dam, March 28, 1952

  AC Stenerson

  This letter, dated March 28, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to A.C. Stenerson of Van Hook, North Dakota thanks Stenerson for his letter of March 25 expressing concern that Shell Creek would be backed up as a result of the Garrison Dam Reservoir. Burdick writes that he and US Senator William Langer will look into the matter.