Burnt Wire

So what was the problem? Does not sound like you found a short? The high amp discharge is troubling

I Agree.

when I put the test light needle on the bulkhead connector, which gave the wire power, the starter well, started. so i just need to take the bulkhead out, to get to the wire, so I can replace that bad connection and wire.

Don't follow what you did or tested.

Are you saying you removed the lamp the battery feed line and put it in another line?
Why?