Pursuing Powell event from Seward House Museum

[Linda Anderson]

"Staff from the Seward House Museum, Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, and the Huntington Library will reflect on Lewis Powell’s part in the Lincoln assassination conspiracy. Using artifacts from their respective collections (Powell’s gun, knife, and other personal effects), each site will discuss how they interpret Powell’s attack against the Seward family on April 14, 1865. This event is taking place on Facebook live, direct link to come."

https://sewardhouse.org/visit/events-cal...2022-04-12

[Linda Anderson]

The Seward House Museum has informed me that the program will also be available on their YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzMR3uc...XNQ/videos

[Clarence]

"Staff from the Seward House Museum, Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, and the Huntington Library will reflect on Lewis Powell’s part in the Lincoln assassination conspiracy. Using artifacts from their respective collections (Powell’s gun, knife, and other personal effects), each site will discuss how they interpret Powell’s attack against the Seward family on April 14, 1865. This event is taking place on Facebook live, direct link to come."

https://sewardhouse.org/visit/events-cal...2022-04-12

Can anyone tell me when Paine was determined to be Powell?
Thanks
Clarence

[RJNorton]

Clarence, please see Dave Taylor's page at this URL:

https://lincolnconspirators.com/2020/07/...d-florida/

[Clarence]

Bingo! I read Dave Taylor's excellent piece some months ago but wasn't looking for that tidbit of information then and I didn't remember it. Thanks so much for your quick response.
Clarence

[Dennis Urban]

Dave's piece is excellent research and really pinpoints when Powell decided to reveal his true name. The fact that he allowed Payne or Paine to be used into the beginning of the trial indicates that he still wanted to continue the name charade for a while longer. At some point he probably realized that his true identity would be revealed.

On March 14, 1865 when Powell signed the Oath of Allegiance for the Provost Marshall in Baltimore as a result of the beating incident of the Branson's sisters maid and was banished "to go north of Philadelphia & remain during the war" he acknowledged that he was from Fauquir (sic) County, VA and he signed his name as "L Paine". I wonder by what name the Branson sisters knew him.

[RJNorton]

Any opinions?

When in custody Powell noted that, "All I can say about that is that you (Federal prosecutors) have not got the one-half of them."

What did Powell mean?

1. He was just blustering.

2. He was referring to members of Booth's plot who got away.

3. He was referring to other Southern-based plots that were running concurrently with Booth's.

4. The New York crowd.

5. Other - not listed here.

[Steve]

Given the context of Powell's quote, I think he meant to imply that the Confederate government itself was behind Booth's plot.

[Dennis Urban]

There is no evidence that the CS Richmond government knew of Booth's plans, however the same cannot be said for the CS Canadian "cabinet". Booth met with them several times in Montreal and they provided him with letters of introduction to Dr. Samuel Mudd and Dr. Richard Stuart as well as some funds to finance the operation. The CS Canadian folks were probably aware of the kidnap plot but not that it developed into a murder plot.

On the other hand, Powell and Booth met many times and had many conversations. Powell was an essential player in the kidnap plot, providing the "muscle". I believe Powell was referring to the many others in southern Maryland and King George, VA who would assist in moving the kidnapped President along to Richmond; namely folks like those mentioned above plus Harbin, Jones, the Cox father and son, Mrs. Quisenberry and others. Stanton got the principals he wanted and let the rest walk.