huckelberry wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 1:46 amshulem, it is nice that you made blocks of one hundred for counting. I see you actually made an accurate repeat of that number. One would figure counting dead would not be laid out is such helpfully even blocks.
It doesn’t seem right in my mind that 12,532 enemy forces would have been counted in order to be recorded in the record book. A general acknowledgment of thousands being slain and strewn about on the battlefield is believable or an estimate in stating 10,000 or more were slain, but the exact number 12,532 sticks out like a sore thumb and is a red flag in demonstrating the story doesn’t ring true.
Suppose the story was true and General Alma was withdrawing to head for the valley of Gideon with his main forces to pursue the fleeing Almicites -- how would the dead left behind at hill Amnihu be counted? One would think that Alma would consider such action as a contingency of something that might be accomplished but to what end remains in question. Suppose he left a garrison at Amnihu behind to address and maintain the aftermath of the battlefield to include the logistics of counting the dead and caring for the wounded. How many men would it take to divide the field or theatre of operations in which the Amlicites could be effectively counted wherein a clerk for each section is appointed to account for a sum in which to report to the head clerk? Over 12,000 bodies are a lot to be accounted for and there were only so many daylight hours left on the clock for DAY ONE in which the battle took place. The following day would have provided more time but to what end or reason is there to get an exact count? I think the only reason we are given that number is because Joseph Smith thought to do so while telling a story.
