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

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.

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.