Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:06AM
Drew Wolfe

Chief Joseph

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

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

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

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. 

I know that my race must change. 

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed. 

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

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.

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

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. 

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

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. 

Good words will not give me back my children. 

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. 

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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