In a profound moment of surrender to the U.S. Army, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians delivered a moving speech in 1877. The tribe had tried to cross into Canada to escape relocation to a reservation. They journeyed over 1000 miles, battling the army throughout their odyssey. Alas, a mere 40 miles from Canada, they found themselves ensnared and vanquished.
I Will Fight No More Forever
Chief Joseph, Nez Perce
05 October 1877
Tell General Howard I know his heart. What he told me before, I have in my heart. I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. Toohulhulsote is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say yes or no. He who led the young men is dead.
It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills and have no blankets, no food. No one knows where they are--perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children and see how many I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead.
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.