John Sergeant Wise quotes

John Sergeant Wise was a prominent lawyer, author, and politician, born in Virginia in 1846. Known for his fiery oratory skills and legal prowess, Wise played a significant role in shaping American history. He served as the United States Minister to Brazil, represented Virginia in the U.S. Congress, and even ran for Governor. Wise was a prolific writer, penning several books and articles on various subjects, including law, politics, and military history. His deep understanding of the legal system and his passion for justice made him a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. Explore more about the life and achievements of John Sergeant Wise, a fascinating figure who left an indelible mark on American politics and the legal landscape.

In all her history, from the formation of the federal government until the hour of secession, no year stands out more prominently than the year 1858 as evidencing the national patriotism of Virginia.

- John Sergeant Wise

Father had notions about manhood suffrage, public schools, the education and the elevation of the masses, and the gradual emancipation of the slaves, that did not suit the uncompromising views of people in places like Richmond.

- John Sergeant Wise

THE autumn of 1850 brought an event freighted with deep significance to me. My mother died.

- John Sergeant Wise

As early as the autumn of 1862, I was made very happy by being sent to school.

- John Sergeant Wise

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.

- John Sergeant Wise

John Brown was tried for treason, murder, and inciting slaves to insurrection.

- John Sergeant Wise

Of private differences personal to himself, my brother had none.

- John Sergeant Wise

Wealthy men, too, like several of those in our neighborhood, had so many slaves that they were compelled to buy other plantations on which to employ them.

- John Sergeant Wise

And let me tell you, you boys of America, that there is no higher inspiration to any man to be a good man, a good citizen, and a good son, brother, or father, than the knowledge that you come from honest blood.

- John Sergeant Wise

In those days, slavery was not looked upon, even in Quaker Philadelphia, with the shudder and abhorrence one feels towards it now.

- John Sergeant Wise

The first American ancestor of our name was a younger son of these old Devonshire people, and came to the Virginia colony in the reign of Charles the First.

- John Sergeant Wise

Virginians were no more angels or philanthropists than people to the north or to the south of them. They were moved by their affections, their interest, and their resentments, just as humanity is moved today.

- John Sergeant Wise

In such a condition of affairs, the practical difference between the abolitionist and the sympathizer, to the man who lost his slave and could not recover it, was very nebulous.

- John Sergeant Wise

America is good enough for us.

- John Sergeant Wise

Even if my mother had no qualms of conscience concerning ownership of negroes, her sense of duty carried her far beyond the mere supplying of their physical needs, or requiring that they render faithful service.

- John Sergeant Wise

My mother was a Northern woman, daughter of Hon. John Sergeant, a distinguished lawyer, and for many years representative in Congress from Philadelphia.

- John Sergeant Wise

The attack of John Brown upon Harper's Ferry came upon Virginia like a clap of thunder out of a clear sky.

- John Sergeant Wise

However the Southern man may have been master of the negro, there were compensatory processes whereby certain negroes were masters of their masters' children.

- John Sergeant Wise

It is true, there was no public-school system, and the reason for it was very plain. The wealth of the upper classes enabled them to have private tutors.

- John Sergeant Wise

In the year 1857, passing through Washington on our return from the annual visit to Philadelphia, I had the distinguished honor of visiting a President for the first time.

- John Sergeant Wise

When I first concluded to print the book, I made an honest effort to construct it in the third person.

- John Sergeant Wise

That settled Abraham Lincoln with me. I was thoroughly satisfied that no such man ought to be President; but I could not yet conceive it possible that such a monster would be the choice of a majority of the people for President.

- John Sergeant Wise