Chief Joseph

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.

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

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.

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

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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.

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.

I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

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

We were like deer. They were like grizzly bear.

We were contented to let things remain as the Great Spirit Chief made them. They were not; and would change the rivers and mountains if they did not suit them.