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+--- Thread: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet (/thread-182.html)
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - LincolnMan - 08-22-2012 07:18 AM
So I wonder if that was the "normal" treatment of prisoners? Probably not. Because of what they were accused of they were not accorded much humane treatment as others might have been. At least they had those terrible hoods removed?
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - BettyO - 08-22-2012 07:29 AM
I would think being tried as "treasonous assassination accomplices" and/or "assassins" that they would not receive the best "tender loving care" afforded other lesser prisoners. The hoods were removed towards the middle of June -- and poor Powell's was removed more or less later towards the end of the month.
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - LincolnMan - 08-22-2012 06:29 PM
Betty. One can only imagine how emotionally charged it all was.
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - BettyO - 08-23-2012 05:14 AM
Exactly, Bill....
The consequences of putting a hood over someone's head is mind boggling. Battle hardened soldier that he was, the affect on young Powell was devastating inasmuch as he was so terrified that he wept when first hooded.
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - Laurie Verge - 08-23-2012 09:33 AM
I remember as a child hating games that involved blindfolds. The minute I lost benefit of sight, I became disoriented. I can't imagine what I would have done if it affected my breathing also.
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - MaddieM - 08-23-2012 01:09 PM
(08-23-2012 05:14 AM)BettyO Wrote: Exactly, Bill....
The consequences of putting a hood over someone's head is mind boggling. Battle hardened soldier that he was, the affect on young Powell was devastating inasmuch as he was so terrified that he wept when first hooded.
What a pointless act of torture. I'm sure they weren't padded to the extent that, had one really wished to bash one's brains out, they could have prevented much damage. Seems more like a tool to demoralise and subdue.
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - BettyO - 08-23-2012 01:14 PM
I agree, Maddie. I think that the hooding was just that - an effort to dehumanize these poor folk and more or less "break them down".... poor Lew, as "battle hardened" as he was, was still just a kid - and it had devastating affects on him, not just emotionally and psychologically, but probably physically as well. This was more or less, I feel, why the poor boy was so constipated.
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - MaddieM - 08-24-2012 05:41 AM
(08-23-2012 01:14 PM)BettyO Wrote: I agree, Maddie. I think that the hooding was just that - an effort to dehumanize these poor folk and more or less "break them down".... poor Lew, as "battle hardened" as he was, was still just a kid - and it had devastating affects on him, not just emotionally and psychologically, but probably physically as well. This was more or less, I feel, why the poor boy was so constipated.
Stress is one of the major causes of constipation. Ongoing stress and anxiety suppress the gastrocolic reflex an unconscious action by the gastrointestinal tract. The whole system shuts down. Wouldn't you have hoped that the so called doctors of the day, would have known that this was the physical expression of this boy's stress and anxiety? I'm amazed that also, they deduced that he was dull witted and below average intelligence. It was pretty obvious, he was smart enough to pull the wool over top authority on mental health at that time. Even more reason to admire him.
There was so called evidence also of his having eaten 'hearty meals' etc. The photo of him swinging on the scaffold clearly shows his ribs. In the month or so between capture and execution, he must have dropped some weight. Again, stress can cause weight loss. When you spend that many days not having a bowel movement, the last you might want is a meal!
(08-23-2012 01:14 PM)BettyO Wrote: I agree, Maddie. I think that the hooding was just that - an effort to dehumanize these poor folk and more or less "break them down".... poor Lew, as "battle hardened" as he was, was still just a kid - and it had devastating affects on him, not just emotionally and psychologically, but probably physically as well. This was more or less, I feel, why the poor boy was so constipated.
Didn't those hoods have padding over the eye area? Even worse! That would have kept the eyelids forced shut for duration. How bad is that?
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - BettyO - 08-24-2012 05:51 AM
According to Dr. Gillette, Lew didn't eat or drink a thing on the morning of the hanging - for obvious reasons. Lew had been a soldier, he had seen men die on the battle and he knew what happened. He didn't want to disgrace himself further by losing his bowels, etc. Enough said.
Yes, in the gallows photos you can see that Lew seems like a tall, very skinny kid! I would bet that this boy lost at least 20-25 lbs in prison making his weight thus about 150 - 155 lbs. Very thin for a young man of his frame - he was apparently large boned. I think that this in effect may have been the reason he strangled instead of having his neck broken humanely. Apparently Rath did not take into consideration the weight of his victims and the drops assigned to each.....
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - Natty - 08-24-2012 09:46 AM
There is a passage in the article that irritates me somewhat:
"The fellows will all fight except Yankee Jim and Powell".
Why did Lewis' comrades think he wouldn't fight? Was this because he was so young and they thought him incapable of it? I was always under the impression that Mosby's men were all relatively young fellows..... and he wasn't THAT "green" at the time - the reference to the Dranesville marks his age as almost 20 and makes it clear that Lewis had already been part of Mosby's group for months.
So, why would they assume that Lewis would hold back? Such a big, strong person like him?
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - BettyO - 08-24-2012 11:30 AM
I wondered about that myself, Natty! Powell had the reputation of being the "Terrible Lewis Powell". I don't know what they meant here other than this - from what I heard.
Lewis had, along with Syd Ferguson and Cab Maddox single handedly in close hand to hand combat, captured Captain Richard Blazer and took him to Richmond to Libby Prison. Powell, at the Conspiracy Trial was remembered being seen by another officer at Libby when he was there. This was also about the same time that he was more or less meeting with officials in Richmond regarding his induction into the kidnap plot. It was stated that after the Blazer affair, that Powell did not go on many raids (probably because he was being coached by the Confederate SS) - at any rate, this could be why he didn't go on a raid; but apparently he did go on this a couple of raids and participated boldly! It was said that he was very quiet and thoughtful when he returned from Richmond. Mike Kauffman claims in American Brutus that he thought Lew Powell was possibly "love sick" over the Branson girls -- this could be quite true as well, because he sure turned up on their doorstep right after he left Mosby!
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - Natty - 08-24-2012 12:13 PM
(08-24-2012 11:30 AM)BettyO Wrote: I wondered about that myself, Natty! Powell had the reputation of being the "Terrible Lewis Powell". I don't know what they meant here other than this - from what I heard.
Lewis had, along with Syd Ferguson and Cab Maddox single handedly in close hand to hand combat, captured Captain Richard Blazer and took him to Richmond to Libby Prison. Powell, at the Conspiracy Trial was remembered being seen by another officer at Libby when he was there. This was also about the same time that he was more or less meeting with officials in Richmond regarding his induction into the kidnap plot. It was stated that after the Blazer affair, that Powell did not go on many raids (probably because he was being coached by the Confederate SS) - at any rate, this could be why he didn't go on a raid; but apparently he did go on this a couple of raids and participated boldly! It was said that he was very quiet and thoughtful when he returned from Richmond. Mike Kauffman claims in American Brutus] that he thought Lew Powell was possibly "love sick" over the Branson girls -- this could be quite true as well, because he sure turned up on their doorstep right after he left Mosby!
Ah, yes - that would make sense. If he was receiving special training from the SS, his comrades would have gotten used to the idea that he was not going to be fighting.
The only thing that irritates me is the timeline. Blazer was captured in November of 1864, whereas the Dranesville incident occurred in February earlier that year. How could Lewis have been training for the CSS at that time already? Was he? He had just joined the Rangers the fall of the previous year, if I recall correctly - was he already chosen for the CSS in February of 1864?
Oh! Lewis as lovesick! That is a particularly endearing prospect - is it possible that he might have been a bit "lovesick" when he first joined the Rangers, perhaps seeming a bit distant and initially lacking enthusiasm?
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - MaddieM - 08-24-2012 12:27 PM
(08-24-2012 05:51 AM)BettyO Wrote: According to Dr. Gillette, Lew didn't eat or drink a thing on the morning of the hanging - for obvious reasons. Lew had been a soldier, he had seen men die on the battle and he knew what happened. He didn't want to disgrace himself further by losing his bowels, etc. Enough said.
Yes, in the gallows photos you can see that Lew seems like a tall, very skinny kid! I would bet that this boy lost at least 20-25 lbs in prison making his weight thus about 150 - 155 lbs. Very thin for a young man of his frame - he was apparently large boned. I think that this in effect may have been the reason he strangled instead of having his neck broken humanely. Apparently Rath did not take into consideration the weight of his victims and the drops assigned to each.....
The drop was what? 5 feet or so? And they all had the same drop. If you were to compare body weights with the others would his have been that much lighter if you take into account his height? Also, he was a foot higher than the others, so his actual drop would have been a foot more than the others. it just strikes me that he was merely unlucky. It must have yanked at the neck in the most terrible way. The fact that he took so long to die, must be almost certainly his youth, muscular neck and healthy body. Five minutes is a long long time to hang there, and still be alive. From what I've read, he wanted to die for what he'd done, was resigned to it, and went to his execution with a spiritual strength that earned the respect of all present. But when your body is so young and vibrant, it's not going to let go of life easily.
It must have been excruciating witnessing that. The photos are bad enough.
There was also mention of him staring up at the sky as he was awaiting the rope. I imagine his thoughts would have been firmly with his family at that moment and perhaps wondering what was waiting for him on the 'other side'.
One of the most poignant things is that none of his family were present to comfort him. He seemed to have had nobody at that darkest time. one would have thought Maggie Branson might have paid a visit, if only to say goodbye.
(08-24-2012 12:13 PM)Natty Wrote:(08-24-2012 11:30 AM)BettyO Wrote: I wondered about that myself, Natty! Powell had the reputation of being the "Terrible Lewis Powell". I don't know what they meant here other than this - from what I heard.
Lewis had, along with Syd Ferguson and Cab Maddox single handedly in close hand to hand combat, captured Captain Richard Blazer and took him to Richmond to Libby Prison. Powell, at the Conspiracy Trial was remembered being seen by another officer at Libby when he was there. This was also about the same time that he was more or less meeting with officials in Richmond regarding his induction into the kidnap plot. It was stated that after the Blazer affair, that Powell did not go on many raids (probably because he was being coached by the Confederate SS) - at any rate, this could be why he didn't go on a raid; but apparently he did go on this a couple of raids and participated boldly! It was said that he was very quiet and thoughtful when he returned from Richmond. Mike Kauffman claims in American Brutus] that he thought Lew Powell was possibly "love sick" over the Branson girls -- this could be quite true as well, because he sure turned up on their doorstep right after he left Mosby!
Ah, yes - that would make sense. If he was receiving special training from the SS, his comrades would have gotten used to the idea that he was not going to be fighting.
The only thing that irritates me is the timeline. Blazer was captured in November of 1864, whereas the Dranesville incident occurred in February earlier that year. How could Lewis have been training for the CSS at that time already? Was he? He had just joined the Rangers the fall of the previous year, if I recall correctly - was he already chosen for the CSS in February of 1864?
Oh! Lewis as lovesick! That is a particularly endearing prospect - is it possible that he might have been a bit "lovesick" when he first joined the Rangers, perhaps seeming a bit distant and initially lacking enthusiasm?
I've wondered if it might have been the gravity of this situation, rather than being love sick. Let's face it, romance would still be there at any time for him, but what he was involved in, or about to do, perhaps he was thinking about the impact that might have on his family, should they find out. And as it turned out, didn't he specifically say to one of his guards, 'Please don't tell my Mama what i've done. It would kill her.'
He may well have been pensive or introspective at that time, and I also suspect he was a deep thinker and quite sensitive. Had he been less so, I'm sure he would not have had the same deep level of regret at what he did later on.
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - Natty - 08-24-2012 12:44 PM
(08-24-2012 12:27 PM)MaddieM Wrote: I've wondered if it might have been the gravity of this situation, rather than being love sick. Let's face it, romance would still be there at any time for him, but what he was involved in, or about to do, perhaps he was thinking about the impact that might have on his family, should they find out. And as it turned out, didn't he specifically say to one of his guards, 'Please don't tell my Mama what i've done. It would kill her.'
He may well have been pensive or introspective at that time, and I also suspect he was a deep thinker and quite sensitive. Had he been less so, I'm sure he would not have had the same deep level of regret at what he did later on.
I think you probably have a good point there.
By joining the Rangers, he was basically returning to his life as a soldier, "rejoining his troops" after his time as a POW and with the Bransons. Sure, the transition itself would have made a certain impact on him, but ultimately he was where he believed he should be, back in action. So what was it then? I also doubt that lovesickness on its own would have caused a complete change in his behavior, but if I recall correctly, the Branson home had warmly welcomed him, probably reminding Lewis of all the familiarities he had left behind in his homeland and creating a certain "homesickness".
So yes, your are probably right that his family and the thought of them played a large role in this possible mood swing.
I just really like the thought of Lewis being lovesick.
RE: Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet - BettyO - 08-24-2012 12:50 PM
(08-24-2012 12:13 PM)Natty Wrote:(08-24-2012 11:30 AM)BettyO Wrote: I wondered about that myself, Natty! Powell had the reputation of being the "Terrible Lewis Powell". I don't know what they meant here other than this - from what I heard.
Lewis had, along with Syd Ferguson and Cab Maddox single handedly in close hand to hand combat, captured Captain Richard Blazer and took him to Richmond to Libby Prison. Powell, at the Conspiracy Trial was remembered being seen by another officer at Libby when he was there. This was also about the same time that he was more or less meeting with officials in Richmond regarding his induction into the kidnap plot. It was stated that after the Blazer affair, that Powell did not go on many raids (probably because he was being coached by the Confederate SS) - at any rate, this could be why he didn't go on a raid; but apparently he did go on this a couple of raids and participated boldly! It was said that he was very quiet and thoughtful when he returned from Richmond. Mike Kauffman claims in American Brutus] that he thought Lew Powell was possibly "love sick" over the Branson girls -- this could be quite true as well, because he sure turned up on their doorstep right after he left Mosby!
Ah, yes - that would make sense. If he was receiving special training from the SS, his comrades would have gotten used to the idea that he was not going to be fighting.
The only thing that irritates me is the timeline. Blazer was captured in November of 1864, whereas the Dranesville incident occurred in February earlier that year. How could Lewis have been training for the CSS at that time already? Was he? He had just joined the Rangers the fall of the previous year, if I recall correctly - was he already chosen for the CSS in February of 1864?
Oh! Lewis as lovesick! That is a particularly endearing prospect - is it possible that he might have been a bit "lovesick" when he first joined the Rangers, perhaps seeming a bit distant and initially lacking enthusiasm?
Lewis joined the Rangers in October of 1863 and remained with them until January 1, 1865. Yes, Blazer was captured in November 1864; the incident with the two Union soldiers whom he captured was in December 1864. I don't think Lewis was recruited for the SS until the fall of 1864 - or so it was said. I don't know why he would not be fighting at Dranesville or reluctant to fight there - however he did have frequent bouts of sickness (still undetermined - although the anthropologist who discovered Lew's noggin' stated that the boy suffered apparently from chronic bouts of sinusitis.) So he may have been ill. He was ill in the hospital in Richmond VA from June 30, 1862 during the Gaines Mill campaign (about 3 miles from my house) until mid November of 1862 - a long period for him to be in the hospital. We know he had a bout of measles when he first enlisted in Jacksonville, FL that turned into pneumonia and he almost died. Whether or not this weakened his constitution, I don't know....