You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to be contented penned up.

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 had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they needed, and they gave us guns and tobacco in return.

I saw clearly that war was upon us when I learned that my young men had been secretly buying ammunition.

I do not believe that the Great Spirit Chief gave one kind of men the right to tell another kind of men what they must do.

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.

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.