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

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

All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.
Chief Joseph

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.
Chief Joseph

For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had found gold in the mountains around the land of winding water.
Chief Joseph

From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.
Chief Joseph

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

Good words will not give me back my children.
Chief Joseph

Governor Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory said there were a great many white people in our country, and many more would come; that he wanted the land marked out so that the Indians and the white man could be separated.
Chief Joseph

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


I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.
Chief Joseph

I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.
Chief Joseph

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.
Chief Joseph

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.
Chief Joseph

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

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

I know that my race must change.
Chief Joseph

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.
Chief Joseph

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

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