Seward Attack

[Linda Anderson]

A New York Times article published May 12, 1865 states that Powell "says that when he fled from Mr. SEWARD's room he knew that he had failed, and expected to find the hall below full of men, summoned by the cries of murder raised by the colored boy, who had rushed into the street, which cries he himself had distinctly heard. But he was prepared, and determined to cut his way through them all, and was surprised to find himself unopposed."

Powell did run into State messenger Emerick Hansell whom he stabbed on his way down the stairs.

Betty, do you think Powell knew before he left the Sewards that he had failed? Seward had rolled off the bed while Powell was fighting with Robinson.