"This and many others only confirmed me in the opinion, planted when I saw the sale of Martha Ann, and growing steadily thereafter, that slavery was an accursed business, and that the sooner my people were relieved of it, the better"

The quote is an expression of deep reflection and moral awakening regarding the institution of slavery by John Sergeant Wise. In this passage, Wise articulates a growing conviction that the system of slavery is exceptionally unjustified and harmful, describing it as an "accursed service". This language shows a strong ethical condemnation, indicating that he sees slavery as something essentially wrong and damaging to both the enslaved people and the society that allows such practices.

The referral to "the sale of Martha Ann" appears to be a pivotal moment for Wise-- a personal experience that profoundly affected his perspective. The sale of an individual, particularly someone with a name and indicated personal connection, brings the abstract idea of slavery into stark, personal reality. It likely signifies a minute of awareness where the overbearing nature of the institution ended up being undeniably clear to him, changing what could have been an abstract viewpoint into a deeply held belief.

Wise acknowledges that this discovery was not rapid however rather a growing awareness, mentioning it as "planted" and "growing gradually thereafter". This phrasing suggests a journey of ethical and intellectual development where direct exposure to the realities of slavery regularly strengthened his convictions. It indicates that his opposition to slavery was not merely a reaction to a singular occasion but an evolving understanding shaped by duplicated observations and reflections.

The expression "the sooner my individuals were alleviated of it, the better" highlights Wise's belief that ending slavery would be helpful for all celebrations included. It suggests an awareness of the societal and cultural damage caused by slavery, suggesting that emancipation would free not just the enslaved individuals however also ethically and spiritually uplift the society that had actually imposed or tolerated such practices.

Overall, the quote speaks with a transformative awareness of the injustice of slavery, stressing a moral necessary for its abolition and revealing Wise's empathetic and humanistic perspective.