When was it to late to kidnap?

[BettyO]

Dear Betty O

You are quite right about Powell's war record. We have the right to wonder if assuming LTP was on detached service,JWB can be regarded as his legally constituted commanding officer. Do you think Powell contrasted the hard,cold,hungry and battle strewn life of the Confederate private of 1864-1865 with his own comfortable existence,out of the war zone, with delightful female companionship, associated, with one of the most fascinating members of one of the most disreputable occupations in America,who talked a good game,but had not lived up to the tasks he had set himself to?

Arnold and O'laughlen served only briefly in the Confederate Army. I think it reasonable to assume they felt guilty about not doing more to aid their cause,even if there were legitimate medical reasons for their separation from service;which I have
no reason to doubt.
Tom

Tom,

You are right about Powell's war record - and I assume that he did find life in the comfort zone of "secret service" a bit more cushy than the hardened life of a foot soldier. He stated to both Eckert and Gillette, when asked, that he saw Booth as "his commanding officer." Powell was young, he was energetic and he was idealistic. He was going to stay with this thing to the end, apparently. Obviously, both O'Laughlen and Arnold had had different experiences in the Confederate Army. They were older, more mature and apparently could see the handwriting on the wall as to it's going up the spout. Powell either could not see this - or he ignored it.