I Will Fight No More Forever

Repetition is a common rhetorical device in oral traditions and speech writing. It serves as a mnemonic device for the listener (who cannot go back and reread) to help remember important details. Coming from an oral tradition, Chief Joseph makes use of repetition to emphasize the information he is using to decide to surrender. Repetition of verbs such as “killed,” “are dead,” and “freezing,” highlight the dire situation the Wallowa face, underscoring that the coming winter will prove as deadly to them as the army (Lines 3-4). By repeating the phrase “no blankets,” Chief Joseph highlights the lack of provisions in the camp and uses it to illustrate the unspoken fact that, even if the army were to leave, the Wallowa are not prepared to face the cold (Lines 4-5). Finally, repeating important details such as “children” and “old men,” Joseph reminds the listener of the fact that the people he represents are not warriors, but noncombatants, too old and too young to be forced to endure such hostile and dangerous conditions (Lines 3-5). Chief Joseph’s repeated focus on the survivors and their situation invite the audience to view their circumstances with mercy and compassion.

Because he is sending word through a translator to a familiar audience, some of the deeper meaning of Chief Joseph’s words is carried by allusions, or indirect references, that a modern audience might not understand. The opening line—“Tell General Howard I know his heart” (Line 2)—alludes to the earlier promise that Howard made him to allow his band to join the other bands of Nimíipuu in Idaho, a promise Chief Joseph is counting on Howard to remember and honor. Here the indirect reference puts General Howard and Chief Joseph on intimate terms, as they share a personal agreement others do not necessarily know. This reference sets them up as equals and appeals to Howard’s conscience by reminding him of their prior relationship. Looking Glass, Toohulhulzote, and “he who led the young men” are also allusions (Line 3). They are people well known to the army and among the Nimíipuu, and to General Howard specifically. As part of the band’s leadership team, Looking Glass is one of the major war leaders whose guidance led to many victories against the army in the Nez Perce War. The reference “he who led the young man” is to another war leader, Chief Joseph’s brother Ollokat (Line 4). In referencing these deaths, Chief Joseph conveys to General Howard and others the extent to which the Wallowa band is beaten and signals to army leaders that those they might consider troublesome or untrustworthy are no longer in charge. Chief Joseph uses these important references to improve the terms of surrender and prevent the mistreatment of those remaining.