Lewis Powell: The conspirator who was "different."

[BettyO]

I agree, Jim!

I and Laurie both are of the opinion that in order to understand the people, one must also understand the times that they lived in and the social customs of those times - social history is so very, very important! Jim - you very much agree with Laurie and I and I'm glad. Folk need to pay attention to social history as well....

Yes, Lew Powell had seen death before he even entered the army. His younger brother (and yes, he had a younger brother, born when he was about 11 years old!) died when Lew was little less than 12 years old. The baby lived less than a year and it was said that Lew took his baby brother's death hard. His oldest brother, Benjamin, died in 1859 of encephalitis, right after the family moved to Florida. Compound these deaths with that of what he saw and experienced in the war, and yes, Jim, you are very right. Death was all around. Victorians were very acclimated to it.

[LincolnMan]

Very well stated! Thank you.

[BettyO]

Thanks to Jim for bringing up the importance of knowing social history!

[LincolnMan]

Others out on the internet have thoughts on Lewis Powell, as well. Here is a poem called: Time of Dying-Lewis Powell:

http://vixenfurr.deviantart.com/art/72-T...-272707567

[BettyO]

So..... "This is non-fiction!?!" HA!

Good poem, but the student needs to get their HISTORICAL facts straight first!

[LincolnMan]

I know- I saw that too. I just found it interesting that Powell has a "life" out on the Web. There are several other sites that feature him because of his good looks-he is considered a "hottie."

[BettyO]

Oh yes - I know of those sites - I've told his family that he has a "fan following" on the internet. They were absolutely astounded and I think, more than a bit pleased! HA!

[LincolnMan]

How tall was he?

[BettyO]

Powell was 6'1 1/2" and weighed (in January 1865) 175 lbs. From the photos taken on the gallows, he apparently lost about 20 lbs or so in Prison - he looks to be a tall, really skinny kid....

[LincolnMan]

Certainly above average height for a man then...my folks down in Tennessee would say he was a "tall drink of water."

[L Verge]

Must be a regional thing, Bill, 'cause we still say that here in Southern Maryland.

[Linda Anderson]

Wasn't Lauren Bacall described as being a "long drink of water" in some movie?

[LincolnMan]

Have you heard The Saga of Lewis Powell Payne? It's pretty good. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Od3Z_GyHCs

[BettyO]

Interesting!!! Thanks, Bill!

I'll alert his family as well - they LOVE this stuff!

[LincolnMan]

I thought it was well done. Its amazing how he remains a known figure after 150 years!