I will speak with a straight tongue.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

My people were divided about surrendering.

My people were divided about surrendering.

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

We gathered all the stock we could find, and made an attempt to move. We...

We gathered all the stock we could find, and made an attempt to move. We...

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

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

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

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

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...

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...

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

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

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

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

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

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

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...

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...

Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great...

Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great...

We ask to be recognized as men.

We ask to be recognized as men.

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.