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

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

My people were divided about surrendering.

My people were divided about surrendering.

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...

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

We ask to be recognized as men.

We ask to be recognized as men.

We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they...

We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they...

I want the white people to understand my people.

I want the white people to understand my people.

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

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

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

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

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to...

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to...

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

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

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.

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 labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

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.

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

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

I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.

I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.

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...

The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights...

The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights...

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 will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.