William Langer graduated from UND in 1906 and had a long career in politics. He was North Dakota Attorney General from 1917 until 1920 and served twice as Governor: from 1933 to 1934 and from 1937 until 1939. Elected to the United States Senate in 1941, he served until his death in 1959.
The digitization of these papers has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Letter from Peggy Harris to Senator Langer Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, November 14, 1948
Peggy Harris
This letter, dated November 14, 1948, Peggy Harris of Riverdale, North Dakota (ND) to United States (US) Senator William Langer describes the conditions Harris has been working under during her employment with the Cafeteria Concession at the construction site of the Garrison Dam project. She writes of working long hours with no overtime pay, receiving no additional pay for working the seventh day of the week, and of paychecks being two weeks late, and urges Langer to take prompt action.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Peggy Harris Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, December 4, 1948
Letter from Senator Langer to Peggy Harris Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, December 20, 1948
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Letter from Irene Edwards for Senator Langer to the Reverend H. W. Case Regarding Forth Berthold Members, March 12, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated March 12, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to the Reverend H. W. Case of the Fort Berthold Mission in Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, makes reference to a recent letter from Case. Langer writes that it was a pleasure to hear from Case and assures him that he will do all he can to "help rehabilitate the Indians." He adds that he is "contacting the Chief of the Soil Conservation Service, Mr. Hugh Bennett, and asking him to send you an aerial photograph of the Fort Berthold Reservation direct."
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Joe Wicks’s Proposal for Various Indian Reservations, April 26, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated April 26, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Ben Reifel, alerts Reifel that Joe Wicks will be coming to see him with a proposal for various Indian reservations. Langer writes that Wicks’s proposal already has the approval of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and asks Reifel to “go over this matter very carefully” with Wicks. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Ft. Berthold Indian Agency.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Joe Wicks Regarding a Meeting with Ben Reifel, May 21, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Theodore Baker, March 10, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated March 10, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Forth Berthold Indian Agency Superintendent Ben Reifel, expresses Langer's thanks for the copy Reifel has sent of a letter Reifel wrote the US Commissioner of Indian Affairs regarding a matter involving Theodore Baker. Langer also expresses his appreciation for Reifel's advice in the matter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Theodore Baker Relaying Copy of Letter from Ber Reifel, March 10, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding the Selling of Fort Berthold Reservation Land, April 16, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated April 16, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Indian Agency Superintendent Ben Reifel refers to an enclosed copy of a letter from Three Affiliated Tribes member Evan Baker who would like to sell 160 acres of his land on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer asks Reifel to “look into this matter for me and advise me what can be done to help Mr. Baker out.” The heading of the letter begins with the word “CONFIDENTIAL.” The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Agency.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Evan Baker Expressing Delight in Helping to Sell Fort Berthold Reservation Land, April 16, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Carl Whitman Regarding Possible Dates for Meeting in North Dakota, October 25, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated October 25, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Carl Whitman, Chairperson of the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, acknowledges receipt of Whitman's letter of October 18.
In this reply, Langer explains that he will be tied up during his visit to North Dakota until November 15 and 16. He goes on to list functions he will be attending those days and says that if Whitman can arrange to have Langer's other colleagues present at the meeting, he would be glad to meet in Elbowoods on November 17th.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Evan Baker Expressing Delight in Helping to Sell Fort Berthold Reservation Land, April 16, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated April 16, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Evan Baker, acknowledges receipt of Baker’s letter of March 31, 1948 informing Langer of his plans to sell 160 acres of his land on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer writes that he is “delighted to have this opportunity to be of assistance to you and am today writing to the proper authorities” to see what can be done to allow Baker to sell his land.
See also:
Letter from Evan Baker to Senator Langer Regarding the Selling of Fort Berthold Reservation Land, March 31, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Evan Baker Regarding Selling of Fort Berthold Land, May 17, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated May 17, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Evan Baker of Elbowoods, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation conveys the contents of a report Langer has received from the Fort Berthold Indian Agency in response to an inquiry Langer made regarding Baker's desire to sell 160 acres of land he owns on the Fort Berhold Reservation.
Langer quotes from the report he received, the gist of which is that Baker should wait until the resettlement issue associated with the construction of the Garrison Dam and eventual inundation of a significant portion of the Fort Berthold Reservation has been clarified. Reference is made in the quoted portions of Langer's letter to an attached contract, but no contract was found with this letter in Langer's papers.
Langer recommends that Baker follow the recommendations of the quoted report.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding the Selling of Fort Berthold Reservation Land, April 16, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to H.W. Case Regarding Procedures for Moving Church Building Due to the Garrison Dam, July 31, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated July 31, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to H.W. Chase, marks the receipt of Case’s letter from July 25, 1948, where Case requested a pamphlet that outlines the procedures for “the Indian” to retain church buildings due to the Garrison Dam. Langer thanks Case and encloses the US War Department’s statement on the Garrison Dam. No enclosure is included.
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from H.W. Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Acquisition of Churches on Reservation Land for the Garrison Dam, July 25, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Joe Wicks Regarding a Meeting with Ben Reifel, May 21, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated May 21, 1948, from United States Senator William Langer to Joe Wicks of Cannon Ball, North Dakota, informs Wicks that Ben Reifel is happy to meet with him. Langer quotes Reifel as writing, “I have your letter advising me that Mr. Joe Wicks, of Cannon Ball, N.D., plans on visiting this jurisdiction within the next few weeks. I am personally acquainted with Mr. Wicks and you may rest assured that I will be pleased to go over his proposition with him at any time that is convenient to him.” The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Indian Agency.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Joe Wicks’s Proposal for Various Indian Reservations, April 26, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Joseph Wicks Regarding Plan Between Wicks and Martin Cross for Various Reservations, April 26, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated April 26, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Joseph Wicks, mentions a plan that Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross proposed for several reservations. The plan has the approval of the "Indian Bureau" (likely meaning the US Bureau of Indian Affairs). Langer advises that Wicks submit the plan to the Indian Agencies in North Dakota. Details of the plan are not discussed in the letter.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Indians."
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding a Petition Addressed to Congressman Wesley A. D'Ewart, January 31, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated January 31, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, informs Cross that a petition addressed to US Representative from Montana Wesley A. D'Ewart signed by members of the Three Affiliated Tribes arrived in Langer's office and that Langer will forward the petition to D'Ewart and provide any assistance that he can on the matter.
A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Wesley D'Ewart Forwarding Petition from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes, January 31, 1948
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Petition to Wesley D'Ewart and Senate Bill 797, February 5, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Cross's Recent Visit to Washington, D.C. and Cross's Testimony, February 10, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated February 10, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, acknowledges Cross's letter of February 5, 1948 and extends regret that Cross did not return to Langer's office during the visit. Langer also indicates that the US Committee on Public Lands has not yet printed copies of Cross's testimony but once they do, Langer will send a copy.
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Petition to Wesley D'Ewart and Senate Bill 797, February 5, 1948
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, February 22, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Letters Sent from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Senator Watkins and Representative D'Ewart, March 8, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated March 8, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending a copy of letters that members of the Three Affiliated Tribes sent to US Senator from Utah [Arthur] Watkins and US Representative from Montana [Wesley] D'Ewart. Langer expresses regret for not meeting Cross when Cross was visiting but says that he hopes to spend July 4th with Cross in Elbowoods, North Dakota. Copies of the letters referenced were not enclosed with this document.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Indians."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Senate Bill 1133, February 25, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Recent Decisions of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, December 13, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated December 13, 1948, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his recent letter and for the news on the recent decisions of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council.
Handwritten notes on the letter include, "See-Indians" and "Cross, Martin T."
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Tribal Council in Washington Working on Garrison Dam Contract, December 8, 1948
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Enclosing a Report from the Tribal Council on their Report to Washington and House Joint Resolution 33, January 13, 1949
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Senate Bill 1133, February 25, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated February 25, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, acknowledges a recent telegram from Cross and informs him that there will be no additional hearings regarding US Senate Bill 1133 with amendment. Langer indicates that the bill is on the US president's desk and that he anticipates favorable news shortly.
A handwritten note on the letter says "see" with a line pointing to "S. 1133."
S. 1133 became US Public Law 80-424, also known as, "An Act Providing for the Per Capita Payment of Certain Moneys Appropriated in Settlement of Certain Claims of the Indians of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota" on February 28, 1948.
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, February 22, 1948
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Letters Sent from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Senator Watkins and Representative D'Ewart, March 8, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for the Two Resolutions Passed by Tribal Council, May 7, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated May 7, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending the two resolutions passed by the Claims Legislative Council. One resolution proposes that no action be taken on the proposed contract between the US and the Fort Berthold Reservation, and the other relates to the the contract drafted by the US War Department. These resolutions are likely in connection with the construction of the Garrison Dam, but they were not enclosed in this document.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Indians."
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Letter from Senator Langer to Mary Sussex Regarding the Effects of the Garrison Dam on Fort Berthold Residents, July 22, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated July 22, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Mary Sussex of Hope, North Dakota, acknowledges receipt of Sussex's recent letter expressing concern for the effects the construction of the Garrison Dam would have on the residents of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer thanks Sussex for her letter and informs her that he has been having conferences with tribal representatives, the Chief of the US Army Engineers, and various private citizens and that he has been doing, and will continue to do, everything he can to see that the Fort Berthold members get a square deal.
Langer adds that he thought Sussex would be interested in seeing a copy of US Senate Joint Resolution (SJ Res) No. 209, which he introduced on behalf of the Fort Berthold members.
No copy of the SJ Res 209 was found with this letter in Langer's papers.
See also:
Letter from Mary Sussex to Senator Langer Regarding the Effects of the Garrison Dam on Fort Berthold Residents, July 15, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Peggy Harris Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, December 20, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated December 20, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Peggy Harris of Riverdale, North Dakota, refers to an enclosed report Langer has received in reply to an inquiry Langer made on Harris's behalf regarding working conditions related to Harris's employment by the Rocket Catering Company in the Cafeteria Concession on the construction site of the Garrison Dam. Langer writes that he is very sorry the report is not more favorable for Harris, but that it is how the situation stands.
The report Langer refers to as enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
See also:
Letter from Peggy Harris to Senator Langer Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, November 14, 1948
Letter from Senator Langer to Peggy Harris Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, December 4, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to Peggy Harris Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, December 4, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated December 4, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Peggy Harris of Riverdale, North Dakota, acknowledges receipt of Harris's recent letter describing working conditions in the Cafeteria Concession on the construction site of the Garrison Dam. Langer writes that he is taking the matter up with the appropriate authorities and will advise Harris as soon as information is available.
See also:
Letter from Peggy Harris to Senator Langer Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, November 14, 1948
Letter from Senator Langer to Peggy Harris Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, December 20, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to R.J. Doebler Regarding Medical Care for Indians of the Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain Reservations, February 25, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated February 25, 1948, from United States Senator William Langer to R.J. Doebler marks Langer’s receipt of Doebler’s letter from February 19, 1948, regarding the medical care of members of the Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain Reservations. Langer agrees with Doebler that “something must be done to insure proper care for Indians” and will call Doebler’s letter to the attention of United States Senator Arthur Watkins, Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Wesley D'Ewart Forwarding Petition from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes, January 31, 1948.
William Langer
This letter, dated January 31, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Representative from Montana Wesley A. D'Ewart, forwards a petition from members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Langer says that he will offer his help if needed. The aforementioned petition was not included with this document.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding a Petition Addressed to Congressman Wesley A. D'Ewart, January 31, 1948
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Cross's Recent Visit to Washington, D.C. and Cross's Testimony, February 10, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to WF Gierke Regarding Fort Berthold Reservation, February 12, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated February 12, 1948, from United States Senator William Langer to WF Gierke Jr., states that Langer has received Geirke's letter regarding aid for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. He goes on to say that ten thousand dollars have been sent and that more is likely on the way.
There is a handwritten note at the top of the letter that reads "Indians."
See also:
Letter from Gierke to Senator Langer Regarding Fort Berthold Reservation, January 13, 1948
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Letter from Senator Langer to WF Gierke Regarding Fort Berthold Reservation, January 6, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated January 6, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to WF Gierke Jr., acknowledges Gierke's previous letter and states that he will continue addressing the issues related to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.
There is a handwritten note at the top of the document that reads "Indians."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to WF Gierke Regarding Fort Berthold Reservation, January 6, 1948
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Letters from Senator Langer to John Badbrave et al. Regarding Unauthorized Delegates, December 15-16, 1948
William Langer
This group of letters dated December 15 and 16, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes members John Badbrave, Martin Croy, John Wilkinson, Phillip Atkins, Martin Fox, Charles Burr, George Parshall and Phillip Snow, are identical except for their addressees and dates, and acknowledge the receipt of a telegram from the recipients dated December 3, 1948 advising Langer that the delegates currently in Washington from Fort Berthold were not authorized by a tribal council quorum. Langer writes that he appreciates being informed of this.
See also:
Telegram from John Badbrave et al. to Senator Langer Regarding Unauthorized Delegates, December 3, 1948