Black Kettle

Chief Black Kettle (Cheyenne, Moke-tav-a-to) (c. 1803 – November 27, 1868) was a Cheyenne leader who unsuccessfully attempted to resist white settlement from Kansas and Colorado territories. He survived the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864 but died in the 1868 Battle of Washita River.

Although wrongs have been done to me I live in hopes.

Quotes

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.

Since they have come and cleaned out our lodges, horses, and everything else, it is hard for me to believe the white man anymore.

• I always feel well while I am among these friends of mine, the Witchitas, Wacoes, and affiliated bands, and I never feel afraid to go among the white men here, because I know them to be my friends also. … I come from a point on the Washita River, about one day's ride from Antelope Hills. Near me there are over one hundred lodges of my tribe, only a part of them are my followers. I have always done my best to keep my young men quiet, but some of them will not listen. When recently north of the Arkansas, some of them were fired upon, and then the war began. I have not since been able to keep my young men at home.
  • As quoted in "Notes Among the Indians", Putnam's Magazine (October 1869), p. 476

• We have come with our eyes shut, following Major Wynkoop's handful of men, like coming through the fire. All we ask is that we have peace with the whites. We want to hold you by the hand. You are our father. We have been traveling through a cloud. The sky has been dark ever since the war began. These braves who are with me are willing to do what I say. We want to take good tidings home to our people, that they may sleep in peace. 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. I have not come here with a little wolf bark, but have come to talk plain with you.
  • Speaking to Colorado Governor Evans, Colonel Chivington, Major Wynkoop and others in Denver (Autumn 1864), as quoted in The Boy's Book about Indians : Being What I Saw and Heard for Three Years on the Plains (1873) by Edmund Bostwick Tuttle, p. 61

• 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 advise me to do. I once thought that I was the only man who 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 man anymore.
  • As quoted in The West : Who is the Savage? (2001) PBS

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (1970)

Quotes of Black Kettle from Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

• 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.
  • p. 94

• Although the troops have struck us, we throw it all behind and are glad to meet you in peace and friendship.
  • p. 101

• The white people can go wherever they please and they will not be disturbed by us, and I want you to let them know.
  • p. 101

• 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. Why don't you talk, and go straight, and let all be well?
  • p. 148

External links

• Who is the Savage?