In 1877
Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Perce Indians…
Surrendered to the American Army…
There was a movie made in 1975 about Chief Joseph and his battle to remain free…
It was entitled, “I will fight no more forever”….
As a teenager in the 70s, I remember this movie…
The speech that he gave when he surrendered is filled with emotion…
I WILL FIGHT NO MORE FOREVER
(Surrender Speech)
by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce
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 no and yes.
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 know where they are-
Perhaps they are freezing to death.
I want to have time to look for my children
And see how many of them I can find.
Maybe I shall find them among the dead.
Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired.
My heart is sad and sick.
From where the sun now stands
I will fight no more forever.
--Chief Joseph