What Was The Role of David Herold

[Linda Anderson]

(04-16-2013 10:32 AM)MaddieM Wrote:  

(04-16-2013 09:16 AM)Gene C Wrote:  Maddie, that's a realistic theory. Now that you mention it, I don't remember reading much about him having a confrontational or combative attitude once he was caught. That ties into the fact that he was the "mystery man" throughout much of the trial. Since J Beckert was in law enforcement, I would be interested in his opinion

One must also take into account Powell's background, his childhood, the nurturing, strict but loving environment he was raised in, where religion played a large part in his life. He wasn't a yahoo, he was well brought up under family morals, and never displayed, other than having a hot temper, that he was psychopathic or had murderous tendancies; he certainly wasn't a text book killer, assassin, or a congenital fool.

He was tall, strong, courageous, a hardened soldier, perhaps bitter about the war, the loss of his brother, the way his life had panned out, I've no doubt it was this alone that allowed him to do the damage he did, but he was also vulnerable, young, and emotionally unsophisticated compared to the more worldly schemes of JWB. He made a terrible mistake due to naivete. I don't believe he was a killer. I believe if he had been, he would have killed Seward.

Maddie, I think the only reason that Powell didn't kill Seward was that Seward's nurse George Robinson stopped him from doing so.

However, I do think that it may have been difficult for Powell to decide to kill Fred Seward. We will never know for certain (unless Betty finds more information) what Powell was thinking when he turned to go down the stairs when Fred Seward confronted him in front of Secretary Seward's bedroom. Did Powell hesitate knowing he would have to kill Fred Seward before he could kill Secretary Seward? Or, as some writers have suggested, was he just pretending to go downstairs so he could take Fred Seward by surprise?

Once he decided to go through with it, Powell brutally attacked Fred Seward and I believe, would have definitely killed Secretary Seward had it not been for the brave actions of George Robinson.