Final answer:
The fragment from Chief Joseph's 1877 speech expresses thoughts and feelings, intending to persuade the audience to empathize with his people's suffering and to inform them of their dire circumstances. It serves both as a plea for peace and a historical testament to the Native American struggle during Western expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fragment given from Chief Joseph's speech in 1877 is intended to express thoughts and feelings of weariness from conflict and a desire for peace, appealing to the audience's empathy and emotions. Chief Joseph conveys the pain and suffering experienced by his people, emphasizing the losses and hardships faced by the young and old alike. This heartfelt plea is aimed at humanizing his people's struggle and sparking compassion in the audience.
The purpose of Chief Joseph's address is multi-faceted. While it primarily serves to persuade General Howard and his broader audience of the need for peace, it also informs them of the dire circumstances faced by his people and the consequences of continuous fighting. Moreover, the speech serves as a historical document that sheds light on the experiences and perspectives of the Native American tribes during the period of Western expansion and conflict with the United States.