An incomplete series of criminal case files resulting from hearings before the U.S. Commissioners within the U.S. District Court, Territory of Dakota, Second Judicial District. The cases relate primarily to trespass on government lands including Rosebud, Spotted Tail, Winnebago and Yankton Reservations; assault; murder; criminal contempt and perjury; fraud; larceny; sale of liquor to Indians; timber cutting on government land; and violations of the Internal Revenue laws regulating sale and manufacture of liquor and tobacco products. Documents included in the case files consist chiefly of capias, subpoenas, warrants and other writs; transcripts of trials and testimony; recognizance and surety bonds; certificates of convictions; and orders of commitment.
