Christian Rath

[BettyO]

Quote:I wonder why he never tried anything violent or to escape. I guess he was resigned to his fate.

OK - I know I'll be shot down for this, but Powell, although seemingly possessed of a violent temper when aroused, was known to be somewhat of quiet natured fellow. Folk who knew him before the war swore that he was quiet and gentle in nature unless strongly angered. His horrible attack on the Seward family, seemed to be provoked by what he referred to "an act of war according to Doster, Eckert, Gillette and others....he thought he was doing "his duty" as a soldier and had been told that he would receive a promotion and honors for doing so....He claimed to be working with the Confederate secret service. He was repentant in prison and resigned to his fate.