The Lamanites at this time included several populations of dissenting Nephites, most recently the Zoramites. Because of their recent arrival from the land of Zarahemla, Amalickiah appointed them as chief captains. Thus, the invading army’s movements would be directed by men familiar with the Nephites’ “places of resort, and the weakest parts of their cities.” This information would be extremely valuable to any army of conquest.