Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and broken promises.
The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.
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.
I have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.
I believe much trouble and blood would be saved if we opened our hearts more. I will tell you in my way how the Indian sees things. The white man has more words to tell you how they look to him, but it does not require many words to speak the truth.
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.
The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark. They brought many things that our people had never seen. They talked straight. These men were very kind.
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.
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.
We were like deer. They were like grizzly bear.
War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.
Some of you think an Indian is like a wild animal. This is a great mistake.
Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand.
Good words will not give me back my children.
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.
I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.
A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the council, and sold nearly all the Nez Perce country.
I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated.
We soon found that the white men were growing rich very fast, and were greedy.
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.