Quotes by Chief Joseph

About Chief Joseph:

Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

Chief Joseph

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

My people were divided about surrendering.

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

Chief Joseph

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.

Chief Joseph

I want the white people to understand my people.

Chief Joseph

The Indian race are waiting and praying.

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

Words do not pay for my dead people.

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to be contented penned up.

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

Good words will not give me back my children.

Chief Joseph

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

Chief Joseph

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.

Chief Joseph

Author Bio

  • NameChief Joseph
  • DescriptionNez Percé Chieftain
  • AliasesHin-mut-too-uah-lat-kekht,; Thunder Rolling in the Mountains,
  • BornMarch 3, 1840
  • DiedSeptember 21, 1904
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionCondottiero