Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet

[MaddieM]

(08-24-2012 06:57 PM)Natty Wrote:  

(08-24-2012 06:44 PM)BettyO Wrote:  Powell mentioned the fainting and falling to stress, according to Gillette why he joined the cavalry; in other words he stated that the "long marches were hard for him" - much as Wild Bill stated. He was also, I think talking about all aspects of his life to Gillette. This kid had a crying need (literally) to talk to someone; guess it kept his mind off of the coming inevitable and made facing death easier. He was extremely vulnerable in the death cell - according to Gillette and the guards as well who reiterated it to the journalists - he wept constantly - alternately crying and praying while talking to Gillette and later Stryker for about an hour before he walked to the gallows.

Ah, thanks Betty. Are these conversations with Dr. Gillette anywhere online or in print? I have only found the appendix in Alias Paine where Gillette's son discusses a few elements of that night.

Poor Lewis. I've already poured my heart out on this subject many times, so I'll let it suffice to say that at least one person was there that night to hear what he had to say.

I find it quite extraordinary how deeply this affected me personally. And from reading your posts, you feel the same, as do others. Yes, he was a good looking lad, but then lots of people with sad or tragic stories are. I think it's his whole personality, the intriguing mixture of maturity and vulnerability and the utter waste of what was clearly a very special person with so much potential and promise. One might wonder what he would have become had the war not taken him on the pathway it did. No doubt a loving husband and father, working the land or following in his dad's footsteps. He was clearly a born healer, and may well have pursued that path.

I truly believe in the workings of karma. Things don't happen for no reason, but also that we have choices. I think Lewis seriously had an opt out from this pathway to destruction in the Seward house when the gun failed to fire. From accounts in American Brutus, he seemed hesitant when he was unable to gain access to Seward's bedroom, walking back down the stairs for a short while. I truly believe he was being guided out of there, but then his own free will took over and back he went and sealed his fate. Also, he took a wrong turn on his escape route and ended up in the cemetary. Perhaps we just can't fight our destiny.