Booth's Escape Route

[Gene C]

Interesting discussion. Powell certainly had time to think about the "orders" he was given, and he should have been aware of the political/military situation of the south (Lee's surrender). If he was engaged, he certianly had something to live for and to consider his future. Lewis's act was cold blooded. Do you have to be cold blooded all the time? Was he just a "follower" who could be easily misled?

And why is Stanton not a target? He has more to do with military management than Seward. (there are plenty of opportunities to get at him, he's certainly not guarded any more than Seward) You want to throw the gov't in confusion, kill Stanton. Seward is already injured and out of the picture. If you plan to kill Lincoln and Seward, why not send 2 or 3 more people and try to kill a few more. Or did Richmond try that, and the people they sent realized it was a lost cause and not carry through their orders?