Lewis Payne: 1865

It's interesting that he is wearing a U.S. Navy shirt and trousers. Obviously an ad hoc prison uniform while aboard an ironclad.

Death must have been a relief after having to be shackled in those for months. That look in his eyes, it's mesmerizing.

I remember the picture was also featured in Ken Burns' documentary The Civil War. Imagine being in rigid irons for months. I'd go insane.

I *knew* I recognized this picture as soon as I saw it. It was featured in Roland Barthes' book "Camera Lucida" about photography. Sort of random, but if anyone wants to read a high falutin' book that deals with this photo, you should look it up.

He really does look like Tobey Maguire doesn't he?

There are matching Leg Irons. The stories around it abound. It was invented by a Dr. Lilly, a Military Dr., for restraining insane people. He later on went insane himself, and apparently died wearing them. These were used on all the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators, they were worn throughout their trial, till they were executed. These are VERY rigid. It is rather torturous to wear them any period of time. The Leg Irons use a chain, far more "humane". The Lilly Iron (Cuffs and Leg Irons) are both considered premium items to own, for cuff collectors (I am one). They aren't what you might call "cheap". I own a pair of Cuffs and Irons :)

Can anyone tell me what that backdrop is? It looks like a huge sheet of steel or lead.

[As noted in the caption, the picture was taken aboard a Navy ironclad. It's probably a gun turret. - Dave]

Then its true they had mentally deranged individuals in the 1860's and/or politically deranged individual in the 1860's just like in the 1900's and 2000's

He looks like Tobey Maguire.

too bad he's a stone cold killa.

Payne had been detailed to murder Secretary of State Seward as his role in the plot.

Seward had been in an accident days before and was in bed wearing a metal neck brace. Payne attacked him with a Bowie knife in the darkened bedroom, slashing him several times. But for the brace, he would have cut Seward's jugular, killing him.

My thoughts exactly. Mer-oww!

hubba hubba.

This picture was featured in the 1997 Ewan McGregor film Nightwatch.

It was hanging on the wall of the Watchman's office of a morgue and becomes the object of Ewan's obsession.