We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they needed, and they gave us guns and tobacco in return.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

My people were divided about surrendering.

My people were divided about surrendering.

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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 have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.

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

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...

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...

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

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...

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 will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

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

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my...

It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my...

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.