William Langer Papers

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  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Correspondence from Martin Cross, November 7, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated November 7, 1945, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, informs Langer that Hamilton corresponded with Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross and Cross said he and Peter Beauchamp have been selected as delegates to go to Washington, D. C. in regard to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Cross told Hamilton the tribes have been authorized to hire an attorney to help with the Garrison Dam conflict.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Martin Cross Visit to Washington, D. C., November 3, 1945

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Martin Cross Visit to Washington, D. C., November 10, 1945

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  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Funds Held in Trust for the Tribes, November 2, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated November 2, 1945, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for information regarding the Three Affiliated Tribes. Hamilton inquires about a sum of money awarded to the tribes through the Court of Claims. Hamilton hopes to hear from Langer once Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross arrives in Washington, D. C..

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Money in the Department to the Credit of the Tribes, October 29, 1945

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Martin Cross Visit to Washington, D. C., November 3, 1945

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  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Reelection, October 14, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated October 14, 1945, from President of National American Indian Defense Association John Hamilton to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for his recent telegram and refers to “a good case against the Federal Government.” This letter states Hamilton believes that after “we get through this affair, it will spell REELECTION for BILL LANGER.” The letter informs Langer that Hamilton is sending a telegram to Floyd Montclair. It encloses a letter from Chairwoman of the National Congress of American Indians Lorena Burgess who would like Langer to attend a conference in Browning, Montana.

  See also:

  Petition Regarding the the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

  Letter From Senator Langer to John E. Hamilton Regarding Unanswered Telegram, October 14, 1945

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  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding the Petition for the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated September 21, 1945, from John E. Hamilton to United States Senator William Langer introduces an enclosed, signed petition on the behalf of “101 Fort Berthold Indians.” The letter informs Langer that the Fort Berthold petitioners included their names, roll numbers, and that the petition was originally sent to Hamilton by Secretary of the Fort Berthold Tribal Council, Floyd Montclair. The letter describes the petition as “self explanatory” as it involves the “proposed legislation to give the American Indians their emancipation.” The letter types out the names of the signed members but mentions it does not know if it would be “advisable to disclose these names on the petition, because there may be a possibility that if it gets back to the Indian Bureau it may be taken out on their people.” It states that the Indian Bureau will protest any legislation which would give the American Indians their full rights as American citizens. The letter asks Langer to attempt to persuade Senator John Bushfield to take an active part in this “gigantic battle for right” and calls to Langer’s attention Senate Bill 1311, where Bushfield calls himself an Indian. The letter refers to an enclosed letter from Floyd Montclair, but it is not included in this letter. The enclosed petition is entitled the "American Indian Emancipation Act."

  See also:

  Petition Regarding the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

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  Petition Regarding the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This petition dated September 21, 1945, from President of the National American Indian Defense League John E. Hamilton and the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation to United States Senator William Langer, introduces a petition on the behalf of “101 Fort Berthold Indians.” The petition is entitlee "The American Indian Emancipation Act.” This petition argues that “gross injustice has been committed against our people.” The petition states “We American Indians want to be free from the further Federal guardianship control of our person and to be allowed to live under local, State, and Federal laws like any other citizen.” The petition argues for public school education, independence from the reservation system, freedom from the Indian Bureau’s control of property, a just and final settlement of all Indian claims, and equal justice under the law, rather what the petition calls “incompetent wardship.” The petition is signed by 101 Fort Berthold Tribal Members and includes a bill to introduce legislation based on the petition.

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  Letter from John E. Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Re-Election Campaign, September 29, 1945

  John E. Hamilton

  This letter dated September 29, 1945, from John E. Hamilton, president of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, expresses Hamilton's approval of Langer reaching out to Floyd Montclair. Hamilton writes that, if they can get Monclair to their side, he doesn't think it will be very difficult to "swing Fort Berthold Indians" to Langer's side in the 1947 election.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Floyd Montclair Regarding a Meeting with John Hamilton, September 26, 1945

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  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding President Grant's Indian Policy, October 27, 1945

  John E. Hamilton

  This letter dated October 27, 1945, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, encloses material related to President Grant's Indian Policy and termination of treaty making with Indigenous tribes. Hamilton says this information may be useful as Langer proceeds with the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Hamilton comments on a recent hearing which relates to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Hamilton says that it is the responsibility of the US Government to protect the property rights of Indigenous peoples. Hamilton asks Langer to send a copy of a speech that Langer gave in the US Senate, and asks for copies of the Congressional Record from June 1.

  Enclosed with this letter is "The Reforms of President Grant and the American Indian Reservation System: The Termination of Indian Treaty Making, March 3, 1871."

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Money in the Department to the Credit of the Tribes, October 29, 1945

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  Letter from E. E. Koenig to Senator Langer Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 7, 1945

  E. E. Koenig

  This letter dated November 7, 1945, from E. E. Koenig of Underwood, North Dakota to United States Senator William Langer, Koenig recommends that the "government town" to be built at the Construction site of the Garrison Dam be named "Ashwood," after the man who owns the land on which the town is to be build, whose name is Ash.

  See also:

  Letter from Langer to E. E. Koenig Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 17, 1945

  Letter from Lt. Col. Delbert Freeman Regarding Letter from Langer to E. E. Koenig Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 14, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Letter Informing that Three Affiliated Tribes Hired Ralph H. Case as Tribal Attorney, December 12, 1945

  Wiliam Langer

  This letter dated December 12, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, President of the National Indian Defense Association, Inc., thanks Hamilton for sending news that the Three Affiliated Tribes hired Ralph Hoyt Case as legal counsel. Langer says he wants to help in any way that he can. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Indians."

  See also:

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Correspondence from Martin Cross Informing that the Tribes have Decided to Hire Ralph H. Case as Tribal Attorney, November 25, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Anna Wilde regarding the Garrison Dam, December 31, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated December 31, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Anna Wilde, a member of the Three Affilitated Tribes of Fort Berthold, expresses thanks for Wilde's "interesting and important letter" and includes a copy of the the speech Langer made on the senate floor that shows Langer intends to "leave nothing undone to help the Indians."

  Langer adds: "The dam, as you know, will in all probability be built, but it cannot be built before this land has been paid for."

  A handwritten annotation reads "Indians" and "COPY" is stamped on the document.

  See also: "Fort Berthold Indians of North Dakota," Pamphlet by Floyd Montclair, June 16, 1945

  Letter from Anna Wilde to Senator Langer Regarding A Possible Alternative to the Garrison Dam, December 18, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to C. H. Beitzel Regarding Beulah Bateman, August 11, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter, dated August 8, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to C. H. Beitzel, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency, makes reference to Beulah Bateman (mispelled "Batement" in Langer's letter), who was employed as a hospital attendant at the Fort Berthold Agency Hospital. Langer writes that he has received a complaint from Bateman's mother, and would like to get the facts related to the matter, as well as Beitzel's advice.

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  Letter from Senator Langer to C. H. Beitzel Regarding Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, November 27, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated November 27, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency C. H. Beitzel, thanks Beitzel for forwarding the November 6 resolution from the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council.

  See also:

  Letter from C. H. Beitzel to Senator Langer Regarding November 6 Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, November 13, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Chris H. Beitzel Regarding Letter From Martin Miller, June 23, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter, dated June 23, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Indian Agency Supervisor Chris H. Beitzel, refers to an enclosed letter Langer has received from Martin Miller, which Langer says is self-explanatory.

  Langer writes that any advice Beitzel can give him on the matter would be appreciated, and asks Beitzel to return the letter when it has served its purpose.

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Christan Beitzel Regarding Possible Funding Needs, June 7, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated June 7, 1945, from United States Senator William Langer to Forth Berthold Agency Superintendent Christian Beitzel refers to Langer's having succeeded in securing funding for the Turtle Mountain and Standing Rock reservations in the Interior Appropriation Bill, and asks Beitzel whether he wants “something done around your reservation," for which he would pursue an appropriation.

  The letter bears the handwritten notation, “Indian money.”

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  Letter from Senator Langer to E. E. Koenig Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 17, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated November 17, 1945, from United States Senator William Langer to E. E. Koenig of Underwood, North Dakota, Langer replies to Koenig's letter of November 7th. In his reply, Langer explains that he is enclosing the report he received from the War Department in reply to Langer's inquiry into the naming of the construction village to be built at the construction site of the Garrison Dam.

  See also:

  Letter from E. E. Koenig to Senator Langer Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 7, 1945

  Letter from Lt. Col. Delbert Freeman To Senator Langer Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 14, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Floyd Montclair Regarding a Meeting with John Hamilton, September 26, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated September 26, 1945, from United States Senator William Langer to Secretary of the Fort Berthold Tribal Council Floyd Montcair, informs Montclair that the President of the National American Indian Defense League John Hamilton “came the other day and we had a long visit.” The letter states that Langer will “go the very limit to help.”

  See also:

  Letter from Floyd Montclair to John Hamilton Regarding the Endorsement of a Bill for Citizenship, August 30, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Helen Woolfolk regarding Langer's speech on 1944 Sedition Trial, January 6, 1945.

  William Langer

  This letter dated January 6, 1945, from Senator William Langer to Helen Woolfolk, contains Langer response to Woolfolk's criticism of Langer's Congressional Speech on the 1944 Sedition Trail.

  See also:

  Letter from Helen Woolfolk to Senator Langer regarding Langer's speech on 1944 Sedition Trial, December 24, 1944.

  Senate Speech delivered by Senator Langer regarding 1944 Sedition Trial, September 8, 1944.

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Interned German National Richard Auras, December 11, 1945

  William Langer

  In this letter, dated December 11, 1945, from Senator William Langer to Richard Auras, Langer replies to Auras's letter of November 27 of the same year asking for help in securing his release from internment at Fort Lincoln.

  Auras, a German national attending college in San Francisco, was arrested on December 8, 1941 by the US government under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798 and interned at Fort Lincoln, south of Bismarck, ND.

  Langer writes that he will continue to do his best to secure the Auras's release.

  See also:

  Petition and Affidavit By Curt Benedict for Release of Richard Auras from Internment, August 1946

  Letter from Richard Auras to William Langer Regarding Internment Status Decision, January 27, 1946

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  Letter from Senator Langer to John E. Hamilton Regarding Unanswered Telegram, October 14, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter, dated October 15, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, expresses Langer's concern that he has not heard from Hamilton since Langer wired him. Langer writes that he tried to telephone Hamilton but got no answer.

  See also:

  Telegram from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Floyd Montclair’s Visit to Washington, October 13, 1945

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Reelection, October 14, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding His Correspondence, September 26, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated September 26, 1945, from United States Senator William Langer to President of the National American Indian Defense League President John Hamilton, marks the receipt of Hamilton’s letters from September 21st and 24th. Senator Langer thanks Hamilton and informs him that he is meeting today with Fort Berthold Tribal Council Secretary Floyd Montcair. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Indians.”

  See also:

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding the Petition for the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Martin Cross Visit to Washington, D. C., November 10, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated November 10, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association Inc., informs Hamilton that Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross has not yet been to Washington, D. C.. Langer says he will get in touch once Cross arrives. A handwritten note reads "Indians."

  See also:

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Correspondence from Martin Cross, November 7, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Martin Cross Visit to Washington, D. C., November 3, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated November 3, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc., informs Hamilton that Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross will be coming to Washington, D. C. but Langer is not sure when he will arrive. Langer says he will write again once he has talked with Cross. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Indians."

  See also:

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Funds Held in Trust for the Tribes, November 2, 1945

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Correspondence from Martin Cross, November 7, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Money in the Department to the Credit of the Tribes, October 29, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated October 29, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc., informs Hamilton there is not a lot of money held to the credit of the "Indians" (likely referring to the Three Affiliated Tribes). Langer says he has contacted Martin Cross and will confer with him on the matter. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Indians."

  See also:

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding President Grant's Indian Policy, October 27, 1945

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Funds Held in Trust for the Tribes, November 2, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding a Speech, October 22, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated October 22, 1945 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross informs Cross that Langer gave a speech inspired by Cross's visit. The letter indicates that the speech is enclosed, but this copy of the letter did not include the enclosed speech. There are some handwritten notes on the letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Following-Up from a Trip to Washington, D. C., October 13, 1945

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Trip to Washington and Desire for a Meeting with John Hamilton, October 30, 1945

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Cross's Upcoming Visit to Washington, November 7, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated November 7, 1945 from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, acknowledges a letter that Cross sent to Langer indicating that Cross will be leaving for Washington D.C. on November 9th along with Mr. Beauchamp. Langer indicates that he wishes to see Cross when he is in town.

  A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Indians."