Four US archives contain some 140 letters written by Augusta Adams Cobb to her husband Brigham Young from 1844 to the 1860s. Augusta was Brigham’s second plural wife of some 55 total. A Boston Brahmin, herbalist, and cultural feminist, Augusta abandoned her wealthy first husband and six of her children to marry Brigham young in 1843. Her letters are a treasure trove, replete with the details of broader Mormon history as well as a failing and acrimonious marriage. Separating Brigham the prophet from Brigham the man, Augusta claimed he refused to reciprocate her love for him, often unfairly chastised her, played his favorite wives against her, and on occasion even whipped her. Although she complained bitterly, like singer Patsy Cline, the more he abused her, the more she vowed to win back his heart. While they never divorced, Augusta repeatedly requested to be sealed for eternity to scores of different men, including Jesus Christ. Brigham did finally cancel their eternal sealing and had her sealed to Joseph Smith in 1848.

Connell O’Donovan