We damaged all the big guns we could, and carried away the powder and the lead.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

Good words will not give me back my children.

Good words will not give me back my children.

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.

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 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...

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...

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

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

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

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...

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

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

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...

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

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.

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 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...

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa...

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa...

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...

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

We ask to be recognized as men.

We ask to be recognized as men.

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.