The Lamanites, finding that Moroni was too well prepared for their attack on the Land of Jershon, retired through Antionum into the wilderness, where they changed direction and marched towards the headwaters of the River Sidon, with the intention of taking possession of the Land of Manti.
But Moroni, suspecting their motives, was too vigilant to allow his enemies to slip away without knowing what had become of them. He had his spies watch the movements of Zerahemnah's forces, and in the meantime sent to Alma to inquire the mind and will of the Lord in regard to his future course. The Word of the Lord was given to Alma, and he informed Moroni's messengers of the movements of the Lamanites. The young general, with becoming prudence, then divided his army. One corps he left to protect Jershon, and with the remainder he advanced by rapid marches toward Manti, by the most direct route. On his arrival there he at once mustered all the men who could bear arms into his forces to help in the defense of their rights and their liberties against the advancing foe. So rapid had been his movements and so prompt had been the response to his calls that when the Lamanites reached the neighborhood of the Sidon, Moroni was prepared for their coming.