I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

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

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

We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we...

We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we...

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...

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...

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...

Words do not pay for my dead people.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken...

It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken...

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

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

Good words will not give me back my children.

Good words will not give me back my children.

I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men...

I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men...

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

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

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...

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...

I know that my race must change.

I know that my race must change.

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.

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...

My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.

My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.

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.