In an act of surrender, the Lamanites entered into a covenant of peace and were allowed "to depart into the wilderness" (Alma 44:20) even though Moroni had no certainty that they would ever keep such a promise. But that is not the message of Mormon's account or the purpose of Moroni's actions. What Mormon and Moroni are demonstrating that the "all-powerful God" is in control. It is not the Nephites in and of themselves that have controlled the battle or received a covenant promise from the Lamanites, rather it is God (acting to save his covenant people). As we have seen, it is not up to Moroni to "recall" the oaths that have been sworn to, it belongs to the covenant Lord to oversee the fate of those that have made those covenants. [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]
Alma 44:22 They have gone forth [from the waters of Sidon] and are buried in the depths of the sea (Illustration): Ups and Downs -- Mexico and Central America. Major river drainage directions. [Ben L. Olsen, Some Earthly Treasures of the Book of Mormon, Map 7., Unpublished]