Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet

[Natty]

(08-24-2012 01:27 PM)MaddieM Wrote:  I've wondered if it might have been the gravity of this situation, rather than being love sick. Let's face it, romance would still be there at any time for him, but what he was involved in, or about to do, perhaps he was thinking about the impact that might have on his family, should they find out. And as it turned out, didn't he specifically say to one of his guards, 'Please don't tell my Mama what i've done. It would kill her.'

He may well have been pensive or introspective at that time, and I also suspect he was a deep thinker and quite sensitive. Had he been less so, I'm sure he would not have had the same deep level of regret at what he did later on.

I think you probably have a good point there.
By joining the Rangers, he was basically returning to his life as a soldier, "rejoining his troops" after his time as a POW and with the Bransons. Sure, the transition itself would have made a certain impact on him, but ultimately he was where he believed he should be, back in action. So what was it then? I also doubt that lovesickness on its own would have caused a complete change in his behavior, but if I recall correctly, the Branson home had warmly welcomed him, probably reminding Lewis of all the familiarities he had left behind in his homeland and creating a certain "homesickness".

So yes, your are probably right that his family and the thought of them played a large role in this possible mood swing.

I just really like the thought of Lewis being lovesick.