Chief Joseph Quotes
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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.
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I know that my race must change.
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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.
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My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.
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It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken promises.
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I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.
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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.
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All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.
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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.
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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.
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Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow.
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All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.
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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.
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If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace.
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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.
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Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.
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It does not require many words to speak the truth.
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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.
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War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.
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I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my country.
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I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.
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I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.
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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.
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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.
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Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.