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.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

Good words will not give me back my children.

Good words will not give me back my children.

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

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

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

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

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

I know that my race must change.

I know that my race must change.

We did not know there were other people besides the Indian until about one hundred...

We did not know there were other people besides the Indian until about one hundred...

I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my...

I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my...

For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had...

For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had...

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of...

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of...

We ask to be recognized as men.

We ask to be recognized as men.

My people were divided about surrendering.

My people were divided about surrendering.

It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my...

It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my...

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

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

We had good white friends who advised us against taking the war path. My friend...

We had good white friends who advised us against taking the war path. My friend...

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

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

I would give up everything rather than have the blood of white men upon the...

I would give up everything rather than have the blood of white men upon the...

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

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

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