We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we could have peace. We were mistaken. The white man would not let us alone.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my...

I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my...

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...

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 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.

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...

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

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

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...

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...

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

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...

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of...

The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of...

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...

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...

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...

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.