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. Chief Joseph on alone
I know that my race must change. Chief Joseph on change
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. Chief Joseph on dad
My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people. Chief Joseph on dad
It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises. Chief Joseph on good
I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated. Chief Joseph on government
I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to the ear of the Great Spirit Chief above, and that all people may be one people. Chief Joseph on great
All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. Chief Joseph on great
General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30 days to go back home, collect all their stock, and move onto the reservation. Chief Joseph on home
I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to the ear of the Great Spirit Chief above, and that all people may be one people. Chief Joseph on hope
Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow. Chief Joseph on men
All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. Chief Joseph on men
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. Chief Joseph on peace
If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace. Chief Joseph on peace
Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever. Chief Joseph on sad
Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work. Chief Joseph on travel
It does not require many words to speak the truth. Chief Joseph on truth
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. Chief Joseph on war
War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war. Chief Joseph on war
I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my country. Chief Joseph on war