The enigmatic Jean Lafitte continues to fascinate historians and storytellers alike, remembered as a French-born privateer, smuggler, and sometime pirate who navigated the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Mexico with cunning expertise during the early 19th century. Modern scholarship, bolstered by archival records and court documents, confirms his seafaring prowess—he commanded a fleet from Barataria Bay, engaged in illicit trade including enslaved people, and crucially aided General Andrew Jackson’s forces in the Battle of New Orleans by providing supplies, intelligence, and artillerymen, earning a presidential pardon for his efforts. Yet, this 1851 newspaper article from the Arkansas Democratic Banner ironically attempts to dismantle Lafitte’s swashbuckling image, citing dubious sources to recast him as an unskilled blacksmith from Marseilles, utterly inept at sailing. Far from correcting myths, the piece inadvertently (or perhaps deliberately) spreads its own folklore, one that ...
Welcome to this comprehensive master article, serving as a one-stop directory for all my published pieces on Substack that delve into the contentious topic of polygamy (or plural marriage) within early Mormon history. My writings focus on historical evidence, primary sources, and testimonies that argue Joseph Smith neither practiced nor endorsed polygamy, portraying it instead as a later innovation by figures like Brigham Young that led to schisms in the Latter Day Saints movement. These articles highlight the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS, now Community of Christ) as preservers of the original monogamous doctrines, while critiquing the Utah-based LDS Church’s adoption of plural marriage. By compiling summaries, key insights, and direct links, this directory aims to facilitate deeper exploration and faithful debate on a topic that continues to divide scholars and believers. The publications are organized into thematic categories based on their content ...
In the early 20th century, tales of lost gold mines captivated the American imagination, blending frontier adventure with the allure of untold riches. One such legend, the “Adams Diggings,” has endured for generations, drawing prospectors to the remote landscapes of western New Mexico. This 1908 newspaper article from the Albuquerque Citizen captures the era’s fascination with these elusive treasures, detailing ongoing searches in the Datil and Alamosa regions. Rooted in stories of Indian attacks, ancient Spanish mines, and Navajo secrets, it reflects the persistent hope and hardship of those chasing gold in the Wild West.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/lost-gold-legends-the-enduring-search
In the enchanting realm of late 19th-century children’s literature, stories often wove everyday childhood experiences with delightful bursts of imagination to spark young readers’ wonder. Alicia Aspinwall’s “A Quick-Running Squash,” first published in the 1896 first edition of her collection Short Stories for Short People, beautifully captures this spirit. Through the lively tale of a boy named Charles, whose ordinary new garden unexpectedly gives rise to an extraordinary, runaway adventure, Aspinwall delivers a humorous and magical narrative that celebrates the joy of discovery and the playful surprises hidden in the everyday.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/the-magical-adventures-of-a-quick
