Zebulon Pike quotes

Zebulon Pike was a renowned American explorer and military officer, born in 1779. With a notable career in mapping and discovery, he contributed to the expansion of the United States. Pike's expedition to explore the western territories, known as the Pike Expedition, aimed to understand the vast unknown landscapes. One of his most famous discoveries was Pikes Peak, a majestic mountain in Colorado. Pike's dedication to mapping new territories helped shape the country's growth. Learn more about Zebulon Pike's thrilling adventures and contributions to American history.

If success attends my steps, honor and glory await my name-if defeat, still shall it be said we died like brave men, and conferred honor, even in death, on the American Name.

- Zebulon Pike

If we go to Chihuahua we must be considered as prisoners of war?

- Zebulon Pike

The Spanish troops returned and we could yet discover the grass beaten down in the direction which they went.

- Zebulon Pike

There had so lately been a large force of Spanish cavalry at the village, which had made a great impression on the minds of the young men, as to their power, consequence, which my appearance with 20 infantry was by no means calculated to remove.

- Zebulon Pike

The preparations for my new voyage prevented the possiblity of my paying that attention to the correction of my errors, that I should otherwise have done.

- Zebulon Pike

They were conspiring to desert us in the night and steal some of our horses... we engaged a spy.

- Zebulon Pike

Among various demands and charges I gave them, was, that the said flag should be delivered to me, and one of the United States' flags be received and hoisted in its place.

- Zebulon Pike

I differ materially from Capt. Lewis, in my account of the numbers, manners, and morals of the Sioux.

- Zebulon Pike

May Heaven be propitious, and smile on the cause of my country.

- Zebulon Pike

I was informed... that some... were dreaming and wished to return.

- Zebulon Pike

Smoke the pipe of peace, bury the tomahawk, and become one nation.

- Zebulon Pike

Strict justice would demand total confiscation of your property, personal imprisonment and fines.

- Zebulon Pike

In my proper character, I am an officer of the United States Army.

- Zebulon Pike

The Pawnee chief had left the village the day after the doctor arrived, with 50 or 60 horses and many people, and had taken his course to the north of our route.

- Zebulon Pike

Owing to the difficulty of obtaining horses, Mr. Henry returns from this place. In descending the Mississippi I will request him to pay his respects to you.

- Zebulon Pike

Give immediate instruction to all your posts in said territory, under your direction, at no time and on no pretence to hoist, or suffer be hoisted, the English flag.

- Zebulon Pike

It was the wish of the Americans that their red brethren should remain peacefully round their own fires, and not embroil themselves in any disputes between the white people.

- Zebulon Pike

On no further occasion present a flag or medal to an Indian.

- Zebulon Pike

A discontented young fellow, filled with self pride; he certainly should have considered it an honor to be sent on so respectable an embassy as he was.

- Zebulon Pike

Few Indians only had breech cloths, most being wrapped in buffalo robes, otherwise quite naked.

- Zebulon Pike

Why cannot we correct the baneful passions, without weakening the good?

- Zebulon Pike

The village had a mill near it, situated on the little creek, which made very good flour. The population consisted of civilized Indians, but much mixed blood.

- Zebulon Pike

A young man who is here speaks the Panis language, and in many other respects, is preferable.

- Zebulon Pike

I cannot consent to be led three or four hundred leagues out of my route, without its being by force of arms.

- Zebulon Pike

American agents... are the only persons authorized to hold councils of a political nature.

- Zebulon Pike

At the lodge the chief gave me many particulars which were relative to the late visit of the Spaniards.

- Zebulon Pike

Your former Fathers the Spaniards have now no further Authority over you.

- Zebulon Pike

He was a man, he always performed his promises.

- Zebulon Pike

You have already disarmed my men without my knowledge, are their arms to be returned or not?

- Zebulon Pike