Chief Joseph

“Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand.”

“I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my life. My father smiled and passed away to the spirit land.”

“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 in peace.”

“I want the white people to understand my people.”

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

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

“A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the council, and sold nearly all the Nez Perce country.”

“Words do not pay for my dead people.”

“The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.”

“It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises.”

“I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.”

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

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

“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.”

“When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.”

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