Lew Powell supposedly suffered from constipation for just about a month or so. Probable causes were more than likely the food served, which according to Hartranft's Letter Book was boiled beef, beef soup, coffee, water and bread three times a day. In addition to diet, emotional and psychological stress was also a strong issue here I would think; probably the leading cause, if that's possible. (Blaine, we need you to chime in here!!)
Powell had told his guard that he had never been constipated before he was in prison.
Young Lew was supposedly treated repeatedly with "Blue Mass" -- the primary medicine used as a "cure all for all ills" as well as I also read, Castor Oil. All to no avail...
Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet
![[Image: sconstipationconstituti.jpg]](http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/576/sconstipationconstituti.jpg/)