59:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi, after Moroni had received and had read
Helaman’s epistle, he was exceedingly rejoiced because of the welfare,
yea, the exceeding success which Helaman had had, in obtaining those
lands which were lost.
59:2 Yea, and he did make it known unto all his people, in all the land
round about in that part where he was, that they might rejoice also.
59:3 And it came to pass that he immediately sent an epistle to
Pahoran, desiring that he should cause men to be gathered together to
strengthen Helaman, or the armies of Helaman, insomuch that he might
with ease maintain that part of the land which he had been so
miraculously prospered in regaining.
59:4 And it came to pass when Moroni had sent this epistle to the land
of Zarahemla, he began again to lay a plan that he might obtain the
remainder of those possessions and cities which the Lamanites had taken
from them.
59:5 And it came to pass that while Moroni was thus making preparations
to go against the Lamanites to battle, behold, the people of Nephihah,
who were gathered together from the city of Moroni and the city of Lehi
and the city of Morianton, were attacked by the Lamanites.
59:6 Yea, even those who had been compelled to flee from the land of
Manti, and from the land round about, had come over and joined the
Lamanites in this part of the land.
59:7 And thus being exceedingly numerous, yea, and receiving strength
from day to day, by the command of Ammoron they came forth against the
people of Nephihah, and they did begin to slay them with an exceedingly
great slaughter.
59:8 And their armies were so numerous that the remainder of the people
of Nephihah were obliged to flee before them; and they came even and
joined the army of Moroni.
59:9 And now as Moroni had supposed that there should be men sent to
the city Nephihah, to the assistance of the people to maintain that
city, and knowing that it was easier to keep the city from falling into
the hands of the Lamanites than to retake it from them, he supposed
that they would easily maintain that city.
59:10 Therefore he retained all his force to maintain those places
which he had recovered.
59:11 And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost he
was exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the
wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the hands
of their brethren.
59:12 Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted
and marveled also because of the wickedness of the people, and this
because of the success of the Lamanites over them.
59:13 And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government,
because of their indifference concerning the freedom of their country.