Quotes By Chief Joseph

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

My people were divided about surrendering.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

I know that my race must change.

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

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

I want the white people to understand my people.

From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.

I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.

General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30 days to go back home, collect all their stock, and move onto the reservation.