Countdown to July 7

[BettyO]

I think that Mrs. Bassett may have gotten things somewhat wrong or confused. Powell told Gillette that Mrs. Surratt was innocent in the death cell; and of course he reiterated this quite frequently, including telling Hartranft and Fathers Walter and Wiget - seemingly anyone who came near his cell at the time.

Gillette remembered that Powell was quiet and dignified on the gallows. The boy teared up when Gillette gave the last prayer - but that was it; according to the Baptist Minister, there were no "theatrics", no sobbing, no shouting of course. The condemned was dignified and respectful - silent. Powell may have quietly stated this to Gillette for the umpteenth time on the gallows, but it was probably quietly whispered; not shouted out.

I've seen this mistaken version of Powell shouting on the gallows a lot of times - along with the statement that he "snatched a hat off of a fellow's head as he passed by." How the kid could snatch anything with his arms stiff-shackled behind his back as they were at this time, I don't know....



"Last Days of Payne" NY World, April 3, 1892