In the late 19th century, amid ongoing debates about the origins of polygamy within the Latter-day Saint movement, Elder Heman C. Smith of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints penned a compelling pamphlet challenging the prevailing narratives from Utah-based Mormons. Drawing on historical records, church publications, and logical scrutiny, Smith’s work methodically dissects claims that Joseph Smith, the founder of the faith, practiced plural marriage. This pamphlet captures his argument: a defense of Smith’s character rooted in evidence, scripture, and denials from the era, while emphasizing that the core gospel remains untarnished by human conduct. It serves as a window into the schisms that divided early Mormonism, highlighting tensions between faith, history, and interpretation that continue to resonate today.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/was-joseph-smith-a-polygamist-uncovering
In the aftermath of the American Civil War, personal accounts from soldiers offered raw glimpses into the brutal realities of conflict, far removed from romanticized histories. George Cary Eggleston’s Southern Soldier Stories captures the unvarnished experiences of Confederate troops, emphasizing not just battles but the everyday struggles against scarcity and deprivation. This excerpt from his collection, titled “Random Facts,” vividly illustrates the ingenuity and endurance of Southern soldiers amid profound shortages—of clothing, medicine, ammunition, and even food—highlighting how necessity forged both practical innovations and spiritual resilience. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, where survival often depended on makeshift solutions and unyielding determination.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/confederate-soldiers-hardships-scarcity
