Chief Joseph

Leader

1840-03-03 – 1904-09-21

Chief Joseph was a leader of the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce and became widely known during the Nez Perce War of 1877. He is remembered for advocating dignity and justice for his people after forced displacement.

Books by Chief Joseph

The United States in Literature [with three long stories] -- Seventh Edition
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Prentice Hall Literature--Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes--The American Experience
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Prentice Hall Literature--The American Experience
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Quotes by Chief Joseph

I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more.
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I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more.
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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 will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.
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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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We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they needed, and they gave us guns and tobacco in return.
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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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I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of white men by my people.
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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.
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We did not know there were other people besides the Indian until about one hundred winters ago, when some men with white faces came to our country.
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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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You might as well expect the rivers to run backward as that any man who was born a free man should be contented when penned up and denied liberty to go where he pleases.
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We do not want churches. They will teach us to quarrel about God.
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It takes few words to tell the truth.
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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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