Moroni’s statement that his father specifically recorded “the intent thereof” as part of his record may refer either to the whole text or to Mormon’s final statement (Morm. 7: 1–10). Yet the statement is the direct antecedent of Moroni’s declaration, “I would write it also” except for the lack of space on the plates. Since Mormon’s most recent summary of his intent (Morm. 7:1–10) takes up less space than Moroni’s concluding statements to his father’s book (our chapters Morm. 8–9), he must mean the entire Book of Mormon, not Mormon’s brief summary.
As I read Moroni’s statement, he endorses the entirety of his father’s work and wishes he could produce a similar work. However, he lacks “room upon the plates” and “ore I have none.” This statement appears to indicate that Moroni has a limited space left on the plates and cannot make new plates. However, he obviously had room to complete his father’s record, abridge the book of Ether, and write his own book. What there was not room to do was replicate a work of the size and scope of his father’s.
While obviously saddened by his father’s death, Moroni was an adult, probably in his fifties, and well able to manage without a father; but being without “kinsfolk” was a serious matter. Not only did he lack emotional support and protection; but he must also, at least part of the time, have lacked the ability to provide food for himself. It would be more difficult to find those who would help him. All would be suspicious of him.