 All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow. |
| My people were divided about surrendering. |
| The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it. |
| I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed. |
| Words do not pay for my dead people. |
| 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. |
| Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all people understand. |
| You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to be contented penned up. |
| I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. |
| I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth. |
| I know that my race must change. |
| War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war. |
| 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 would give up everything rather than have the blood of white men upon the hands of my people. |
| My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man. |
| 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. |
| I only ask of the government to be treated as all other men are treated. |
