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You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to be contented penned up.
Chief Joseph
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Chief Joseph
Age: 64 †
Born: 1840
Born: March 3
Died: 1904
Died: September 21
Tribal Chief
Wallowa Valley
Joseph Buruzagia
Hin-mut-too-uah-lat-kekht
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains
Heinmot Tooyalaket
Joseph the Younger
Free
Born
Running
Wells
Penned
Might
Contented
Well
Backwards
Men
Rivers
Expect
More quotes by Chief Joseph
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
When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.
Chief Joseph
We damaged all the big guns we could, and carried away the powder and the lead.
Chief Joseph
My people were divided about surrendering.
Chief Joseph
I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.
Chief Joseph
If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace. There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike. give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
Chief Joseph
We were contented to let things remain as the Great Spirit Chief made them. They were not and would change the rivers and mountains if they did not suit them.
Chief Joseph
Our fathers gave us many laws which they had learned from their fathers. These laws were good.
Chief Joseph
When the last deer disappears into the morning mist, When the last elk vanishes from the hills, When the last buffalo falls on the plains, I will hunt mice for I am a hunter and I must have my freedom.
Chief Joseph
I know that my race must change.
Chief Joseph
All people should be treated the same way on earth.
Chief Joseph
Big name often stands on small legs.
Chief Joseph
I am tired of talk that comes to nothing It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises. There has been too much talking by men who had no right to talk. It does not require many words to speak the truth.
Chief Joseph
I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.
Chief Joseph
I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.
Chief Joseph
Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to work.
Chief Joseph
If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live in peace.
Chief Joseph
I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.
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
We ask only that the law shall work alike on all men.
Chief Joseph
