Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/258

Moron. the anger of Amalickiah at the miscarriage of his schemes; he cursed God and swore he would yet drink the blood of Moroni.

During the next year the armies of Moroni drove the Lamanites out of that portion of the east wilderness bordering on the land of Zarahemla into their own lands. The northern line or boundary of the latter ran in a straight course from the sea east to the west. The Lamanites having been driven out of those portions of the wilderness north of the dividing line, colonies of Nephites were sent to occupy the country and build cities on their southern border, even to the Atlantic coast. To protect the new settlers, Moroni placed troops all along this line, and caused them to erect fortifications for the better defense of the frontier. This fortified line ran from the west sea (the Pacific Ocean) by the head of the river Sidon (the Magdalena) eastward along the northern edge of the wilderness.

A few years of peace now followed, disturbed only by a serious local quarrel between the people inhabiting the cities of Morianton and Lehi (B. C. 68).

In the following year (B. C. 67), Amalickiah commenced a devastating invasion of the Atlantic provinces of the Nephites. Commencing at Moroni, on the extreme southeast, he gradually advanced northward, capturing and garrisoning all the Nephite cities until he reached the land Bountiful. There a stop was put to his progress by the forces of the Commonwealth, and he himself was slain by Teancum. His advance corps then retired a short distance to the south and garrisoned the neighboring city of Mulek. In this condition matters remained for some time, but in B. C. 64, Moroni, with the assistance of his lieutenants, defeated the Lamanites commanded by Jacob, and recaptured the city of Mulek, which victory was slowly followed by the