Shortly after the Washington Territory was organized in 1853 the first post office was put into use in this new town of Seattle. Governor Stevens soon visited and addressed the settlers and Indians gathered in the small community. Dr. Henry Smith, who had mastered the Suwamish language, wrote down the reply which was given by Chief Seattle through an interpreter to the crowd. Various portions of the reply have appeared in many abbreviated and altered forms in recent years. Yonder sky that has wept tears of compassion upon my people for centuries untold, and which to us appears changeless and eternal, may change.
Today is fair.
Tomorrow it may be overcast with clouds. My words are like the stars that never change. Whatever Seattle says the great Chief at Washington can rely upon with as much certainty as he can upon the return of the sun or the seasons. The White Chief says that Big Chief at Washington sends us greetings of friendship and goodwill. This is kind of him for we know he has little need of our friendship in return.