Chief Joseph Quotes

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

We had good white friends who advised us against taking the war path. My friend and brother, Mr. Chapman, told us just how the war would end.

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

We ask to be recognized as men.

The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of our cattle. Some branded our young cattle so they could claim them.

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of white men by my people.

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

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.

We gathered all the stock we could find, and made an attempt to move. We left many of our horses and cattle in Wallowa. We lost several hundred in crossing the river.

My people were divided about surrendering.

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

Good words will not give me back my children.

Our fathers gave us many laws which they had learned from their fathers. These laws were good.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

We did not know there were other people besides the Indian until about one hundred winters ago, when some men with white faces came to our country.

War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.

Words do not pay for my dead people.

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

It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my people to be quiet and not to begin a war.

When I think of our condition, my heart is heavy. I see men of my own race treated as outlaws and driven from country to country, or shot down like animals.

I am not a child, I think for myself. No man can think for me.

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

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

We ask only that the law shall work alike on all men.

I know that my race must change.

I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.

Finest fur may cover toughest meat.

Cursed be he that scalps the reputation of the dead.

I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more.