I pressed my fathers hand and told him I would protect his grave with my life. My father smiled and passed away to the spirit land. – Chief Joseph
I said in my heart that, rather than have war, I would give up my country. – Chief Joseph
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. – Chief Joseph
I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition. – Chief Joseph
Nature is sanative, refining, elevating. How cunningly she hides every wrinkle of her inconceivable antiquity under roses, and violets, and morning dew! Every inch of the mountains is scarred by unimaginable convulsions, yet the new day is purple with the bloom of youth and love. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Progress of Culture”