The Nephites and the Lamanites joined battle. It was bloodthirsty and cruel. The Lamanites made furious charges to inspire terror within the ranks of their less malignant and menacing brethren. But the Nephites stood their ground. They did not falter or yield to their ferocious foes. Never before, even since the forefathers of their race had inhabited the land, had such a devastating and "tremendous battle" been fought between the enlightened descendants of Nephi and their dark skinned brethren, the savage Lamanites. In a general statement the Sacred Record says that "tens of thousands of the Lamanites were slain and scattered abroad."