Alma 51:22

Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down

the wars and contentions among his own people,

and subjecting them to peace and civilization,

and making regulations to prepare for war against the Lamanites,

behold, the Lamanites had come into the land of Moroni,

which was in the borders by the seashore.

Alma 51:23

And it came to pass that

the Nephites were not sufficiently strong in the city of Moroni;

therefore Amalickiah did drive them, slaying many.

And it came to pass that Amalickiah took possession of the city,

yea, possession of all their fortifications.

Alma 51:24

And those who fled out of the city of Moroni came to the city of Nephihah;

and also the people of the city of Lehi gathered themselves together,

and made preparations and were ready to receive the Lamanites to battle.

Alma 51:25

But it came to pass that Amalickiah would not suffer the Lamanites

to go against the city of Nephihah to battle,

but kept them down by the seashore,

leaving men in every city to maintain and defend it.

Alma 51:26

And thus he went on, taking possession of many cities,

the city of Nephihah, and the city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton,

and the city of Omner, and the city of Gid, and the city of Mulek,

all of which were on the east borders by the seashore.

Alma 51:27

And thus had the Lamanites obtained, by the cunning of Amalickiah,

so many cities, by their numberless hosts,

all of which were strongly fortified

after the manner of the fortifications of Moroni;

all of which afforded strongholds for the Lamanites.