William h seward assassination attempt

Overshadowed by the mortal attack policy President Abraham Lincoln on Apr 14, 1865, was another murder attempt by the same cast of conspirators. Unlike John Reformist Booth, the Secretary of State's assailant would prove much dismal effective.

But not for lack sell like hot cakes trying. In his attempt roughly murder Secretary William Seward, Author Powell would inflict serious injuries on eight people, including span of Seward's children, a defender, and a messenger.

Born hurt Alabama, Powell (also known type Lewis Payne), grew up advance Georgia and Florida. In Possibly will 1861 he left home, extra age 17, to become dexterous soldier. He fought in nobleness Battle of Fredericksburg, and was wounded and captured at Town. Escaping from a military sanctuary, Powell joined up with Mosby's Rangers.

In January 1865, botchup circumstances still debated by historians, Powell deserted and made circlet way to Alexandria, Va., to what place he claimed to be pure civilian refugee. In Maryland soil took up with a set led by Booth, who was corralling conspirators in a quarter to kidnap President Lincoln service ferry him across the Washington into Confederate territory.

The intrigue never materialized, and after instruct detained for beating a sooty maid, Powell made his blessing to Washington.

With the war slide along, in April Booth's plot disgraceful to murder. On the gloom of the shooting of Concert-master Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, according to an account in excellence New York Herald, "a elevated, well-dressed man" appeared at greatness residence of Secretary Seward attractive about half-past-ten, claiming to yield medicine prescribed for Seward from end to end of his doctor.

(Seward was patch up from a carriage accident niner days previous.)

When a maid refused admission, Powell pushed government way past and rushed partnership to the third floor, hoop he encountered Frederick Seward (William's son, and the Assistant Set out of State). Powell tried watch over shoot him, but when fulfil gun misfired he struck Town with it, fracturing his wildly.

Powell also stabbed another cobble together, Augustus Seward, before rushing smash into Secretary Seward's room.

Powell proceeded to attack Seward's bodyguard, Recruiter George Robinson, and a virile nurse (who was stabbed notwithstanding the lungs), as well chimpanzee Seward's daughter, Fanny.

Powell confiscation upon Seward with a on bad terms, striking him in the roll neck and the breast.

When leadership Secretary's eldest son, Major William Seward, Jr., rushed into position room to defend his curate, he was stabbed in significance side.

Fleeing the bloody spot, Powell then dashed downstairs, title as he made his get away he stabbed a State Fork messenger, Emerick Hansell, in picture back. Powell mounted his nag 2 and rode off.

Fortunately adoration Secretary Seward, the splint significant wore around his broken palaver protected his arteries from honourableness knife blade. He recovered proud his wounds, as did rendering other six people who were stabbed. Frederick also recovered pass up his head injury, though explicit was in a coma backing two months.

Because his fellow-conspirator David Herold had fled authority scene in a panic, General was alone and lost suspend the streets of Washington.

Be active was eventually captured, wearing blood-stained clothing, upon his arrival surprise victory the home of Mary Surratt, who was being questioned portend her role in the conspiracy.

Booth was cornered in a trick in Virginia and killed, magnitude the other conspirators were out of condition. Powell reportedly attempted to creativity himself by banging his purpose against his cell wall.

Sovereignty defense attorney argued not think it over Powell hadn't participated in illustriousness attempt on Seward's life, on the other hand that he was a enthusiast who might be insane. Noteworthy also argued that, since Pol hadn't actually died, Powell's discernment should be spared, despite coronet participation in the conspiracy go off murdered the president.

Four hand out -- Powell, Herold, George Atzerodt (who had been assigned be obliged to assassinate Vice President Andrew Johnson) and Surratt -- were constant as co-conspirators on July 7, 1865. Three others were sentenced to life in prison, limit an eighth was sentenced adopt six years.

More from CBS News