Quotes

“A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the council, and sold nearly all the Nez Perce country.” Chief Joseph

“It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my people to be quiet and not to begin a war.” Chief Joseph

“Good words will not give me back my children.” Chief Joseph

“Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.” Chief Joseph

“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.” Chief Joseph

“We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we could have peace. We were mistaken. The white man would not let us alone.” Chief Joseph

“I would give up everything rather than have the blood of white men upon the hands of my people.” Chief Joseph

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

“We ask to be recognized as men.” Chief Joseph

“From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.” Chief Joseph

“I will speak with a straight tongue.” Chief Joseph

“The Indian race are waiting and praying.” Chief Joseph

“I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my country.” Chief Joseph

“When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.” Chief Joseph

“I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.” Chief Joseph

“I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.” Chief Joseph

“My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.” Chief Joseph

“My people were divided about surrendering.” Chief Joseph

“The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of our cattle. Some branded our young cattle so they could claim them.” Chief Joseph

“We damaged all the big guns we could, and carried away the powder and the lead.” Chief Joseph

“When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.” Chief Joseph

“Words do not pay for my dead people.” Chief Joseph

“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.” Chief Joseph

“I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.” Chief Joseph

“I know that my race must change.” Chief Joseph

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

“I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.” Chief Joseph

“I want the white people to understand my people.” Chief Joseph

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

“If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace.” Chief Joseph