I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my country.
From Chief Joseph
It required a strong heart to stand up against such talk, but I urged my people to be quiet and not to begin a war.
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.
I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.
I saw that the war could not be prevented. The time had passed.
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.
Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow.
Words do not pay for my dead people.
I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.
The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of our cattle. Some branded our young cattle so they could claim them.
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