Black Kettle Quotes

"All we ask is that we have peace with the whites. We want to hold you by the hand. You are our father."

"I once thought that I was the only man that persevered to be the friend of the white man, but since they have come and cleaned out our lodges, horses, and everything else, it is hard for to believe the white man any more."

"The Cheyennes do not fight at all this side of the Arkansas, but north some young warriors were fired upon and then the fight began."

"Why don't you talk, and go straight, and let all be well?"

"Although the troops have struck us, we throw it all behind and are glad to meet you in peace and friendship."

"I want you to give all these chiefs of the soldiers here to understand that we are for peace, and that we have made peace, that we may not be mistaken by them for enemies."

"But we want peace, I would move all my people down this way. I could then keep them all quietly near camp."

"I have done my best to keep my young men quiet, but some will not listen and since the fighting began, I have not been able to keep them at home."

"We were once friends with the whites but you nudged us out of the way by your intrigues, and now when we are in council you keep nudging each other."

"We want to take good tidings home to our people, that they may sleep in peace."