Black Kettle Quotes

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

— Black Kettle

“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.”

— Black Kettle

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

— Black Kettle

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

— Black Kettle

We have been travelling through a cloud. The sky has been dark ever since the war began.

— Black Kettle

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

— Black Kettle

“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.”

— Black Kettle

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

— Black Kettle

“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.”

— Black Kettle

Although wrongs have been done to me, I live in hopes. I have not got two hearts ... Now we are together again to make peace. My shame is as big as the earth, although I will do what my friends have advised me to do. 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 me to believe the white men any more.

— Black Kettle

“Although wrongs have been done me I live in hope ... Now we are together again to make peace.”

— Black Kettle