Quotes By Chief Joseph

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to be contented penned up.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to the ear of the Great Spirit Chief above, and that all people may be one people.

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace.

A man who would not love his father's grave is worse than a wild animal.

We gathered all the stock we could find, and made an attempt to move. We left many of our horses and cattle in Wallowa. We lost several hundred in crossing the river.

I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my life. My father smiled and passed away to the spirit land.

Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they needed, and they gave us guns and tobacco in return.

I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.

Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow.

Good words will not give me back my children.

Governor Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory said there were a great many white people in our country, and many more would come; that he wanted the land marked out so that the Indians and the white man could be separated.

When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.

My people were divided about surrendering.

The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.

Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

We had good white friends who advised us against taking the war path. My friend and brother, Mr. Chapman, told us just how the war would end.

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.

I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.

For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had found gold in the mountains around the land of winding water.

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of white men by my people.

Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa country.

All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.