Christian Rath

[RJNorton]

(12-24-2015 02:27 PM)Maykeith Wrote:  I find it interesting that Powell was a bit of a jokester. It's also interesting that he had a some latitude around the prison. You hear so much of how rigid everything was even up to the head covers, yet Powell was out of his cell with McCall laughing in the corner.

(12-25-2015 07:00 AM)BettyO Wrote:  Boys will be boys and apparently Powell was no different. He was known as a big practical joker while in the army - and I would suppose his personality simply carried over after he was imprisoned. He was known to be pretty much a likeable person according to Rath and others, and as he was seemingly a favorite at the Arsenal, he was more or less given a few advantages over the other prisoners. It was also said by Rath that Dr Mudd was the least likeable as he complained all the time....

Keith and Betty, I found this interesting, too. I was surprised when I read it.

"Payne had a grim sense of humor. One day we were discussing our nerve, and afterward I threw myself on the bed for a little sleep. Suddenly I awakened, feeling as if an icy hand had gripped my heart. There was Payne looking down at me, with an ugly expression on his face. I wondered how he had got out of his cell, and just then saw Lieutenant-Colonel McCall in a corner, laughing. Payne laughed, and I knew they were only trying my nerve. I was not afraid, though I was startled for a time."