Lewis Powell: The conspirator who was "different."

[Linda Anderson]

(08-15-2014 09:57 AM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  

(08-14-2014 10:35 PM)LincolnToddFan Wrote:  William Seward himself made the most fascinating comment of all about Lewis. I can't remember it in detail, but it was something about when you are living in revolutionary times you have to expect assassination as part of the package. This guy was disfigured for life, almost lost his son and did lose his wife six weeks later as a result of Powell's actions but he seemed almost, if not understanding about it, he accepted it and bore no ill will. It just struck me, and stayed with me after I read it.

The exact comment in full was posted here on this Forum by Linda Anderson, but I don't remember which thread.

Yes, me, too, struck such admirable attitude and strength when I read about this!!!

Linda, if there's an original quote by Seward, I missed it, and would love to read it. Do you still recall it or where you posted this? I've only read what I posted here:
http://rogerjnorton.com/LincolnDiscussio...age-2.html
Thanks!

Hi Toia and Eva,

It was from the "Something I've Wondered About" thread.

"He has no impression of seeing a knife, and yet his reflections at the moment would indicate that the purpose of the shadow (for he deemed it to be such) had been conveyed to his mind. These were as follows: 'We are engaged in a gigantic revolution. I have accepted it. Those who are attempting to overthrow the Government will shrink at nothing. Assassination has always attended revolution. There must be sacrifices of this nature in every revolution.' From this his mind turned to a contemplation of the face leaning over him, and he said to himself: 'That is a handsome face. How clean it is shaven! It is a very pleasant and attractive face.' Those who know Mr. Seward's habits, will at once perceive how natural it was that such thoughts should come into his mind. In regard to keeping himself close shaven, he is very particular, never allowing any sign of a beard to appear."

Cincinnati Daily Gazette - 2/6/1866

http://rogerjnorton.com/LincolnDiscussio...t+overcoat

Seward also said the same thing in April 1865.

"Said, or rather wrote, Governor Seward yesterday, 'This is only history repeating itself - all great revolutions have their assassins as well as their heroes.'"

Age (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) "Mr. Seward's Opinion of the Assassination - Mrs. Lincoln and Her Family" 4/21/1865
[Correspondence Commercial Advertiser.]

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(08-14-2014 05:34 AM)BettyO Wrote:  

Quote:Every person has a mixture of positives and negatives of varying degree and scope. Have you ever read James L. Swanson's book Manhunt, which portrays him in a worse light?

Yes, Powell panicked at Seward's house. As a Mosby Ranger, he was used to fighting outside; not in close quarters. There were also women present. This also threw him off. And yes, he seriously injured five people in the house that night. It is my opinion that he simply panicked. I also wonder what affect his being in the army from age 17 on had to do with this. Could he have had PTS Syndrome which could account for some of the violence? We don't know. A lot of researchers today are now thinking that PTS may have had a lot to do with the actions and reactions of a lot of young Civil War Soldiers. Many of them committed suicide after the war or turned to a life of crime. Take Jesse James for instance - same scenario. Went into the Confederate Army at the age of about 16. Look how he turned out.

Here is an article titled "PTSD and the Civil War" from the New York Times Disunion series.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/201...egion=Body