How have I never heard about Shorpy before? Shorpy is like Etsy, only focuses on old photos.
Anyway, the site has lots of amazing photos. I was led there by a blog commenting on this breath-taking triptych, the subject of which is Lewis Payne (aka Lewis Powell). One of the conspirators in the Lincoln assassination, here he sits in manacles awaiting execution — which came just three months later at the age of 21.
If I didn’t know that information, I’d say he looks remarkably modern. (This could be some bizarre new ad campaign from the GAP.) But what strikes me most is that I doubt he was of insane mind when he participated in that whole debacle. Most of the plot failed — a few other key notables were to be assassinated, prompting an entirely new government. I think he believed he would be seen as a hero.
