Press ignition button, turned a little, then smoke. Now nothing

I have a 1983 Honda Shadow VT750. I rebuilt the engine, put it back
in, then tried to start it. The first time, I couldn't start it
because it was stuck in gear. Finally got it out of gear, then tried
to start it. The starter motor turned a little, so I tried it a few
times. Finally, smoke came from the battery leads and now it does
nothing. I have the right clutch open and disassembled, but I don't
know if it needs to be assembled for it to even turn the starter.

There is no clicking at the starter relay, and the starter motor
doesn't turn at all. When I push the starter button, the headlight
dims, but that's the only thing. I replaced the starter relay, but
still nothing. I checked the clutch diode, which is fine.

I'm not a mechanic, a very rookie guy with a good manual, but now I
think I'm way over my head. I have spare parts from a parts motor,
so I can try anything with little cost. FYI: I wonder if maybe I have
the the order of the washers and diodes on the starter wrong. There
are 4, and it says they're suppose to be in a certain order. Any ideas
on which order?

If you have any suggestions, I would appreciate it very much!

You need some of this.

Charge 'er up and try it again.