Lew Powell's Frostbitten Feet

[BettyO]

(08-06-2012 05:03 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  I noticed the article mentioned kidnapping, not killing. George Atzerodt, an integral part of the kidnapping plot, said he never heard mention of killing anyone until the day of April 14. Did Powell ever have anything recorded about when he first heard the plot was now assassination rather than kidnapping? Did he (similar to Atzerodt) also maintain the first time he heard the change of plans was April 14? There is good evidence that Powell was "scouting" the Seward residence during the April 12-April 14 period, so I am thinking Powell knew earlier than Atzerodt. To me this tends to give credence to those authors who feel Lincoln's April 11th speech was the turning point...

You are correct, Roger! As far as I know, Lew Powell told Dr. Gillette that nothing but kidnapping was mentioned until the evening of April 14, 1865. BUT - I wonder, like you if things weren't discussed earlier. Why would Lew be scouting out Seward's house? Flirting with Margaret Coleman, yes...but he was doing more than just eyeing a pretty girl. He was there to get information - definite information as to where Seward was located in the house and apparently how his health was. I believe that Lew knew more than he let on of course. He was closer to JWB than any of the others in that I think he had the full confidence of Booth, whereas the others (Messrs. Atzerodt, Herold) did not at this time period. I, too feel that more than likely April 11 was the turning point. It wasn't long after Lincoln's speech that Lew started going over to the Seward's house.