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.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis...

The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis...

Governor Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory said there were a great many white people...

Governor Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory said there were a great many white people...

I have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.

I have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.

Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where...

Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where...

We soon found that the white men were growing rich very fast, and were greedy.

We soon found that the white men were growing rich very fast, and were greedy.

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

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...

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

I want the white people to understand my people.

I want the white people to understand my people.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30...

General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30...

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

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 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 hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to...

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to...

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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