Nephite cities, on the Atlantic coast, captured by the Lamanites. It was a key to the surrounding country. While it remained in Lamanite possession, it was very little use for Moroni, the Nephite commander-in-chief, to attempt to recover the cities that lay along the shores of the east sea, yet farther south. The Nephite generals did not consider themselves justified in making an attempt to carry the place by assault. Such an effort would have cost too many noble lives, and probably have proven unsuccessful. Moroni had with him at this time two of his most trusted lieutenants, Lehi and Teancum, both of whom were little inferior to the chief captain in wisdom and valor. At a council of war it was determined to attempt the capture of Mulek by strategy. They had already sent embassies to Jacob, desiring him to bring his armies into the open plain to meet the Nephites in battle, but the Lamanite commanders were too well acquainted with the discipline and courage of the Nephite forces to take such a risk. There was, therefore, but one plan left, other than to patiently sit down before the city and reduce it by a regular siege, and that was to decoy a portion of its defenders beyond the protection of its walls, and when it was thus weakened, to carry it by storm. Moroni determined on this course. (B. C. 64.)
By command of Moroni, the gallant Teancum, with a small force, marched along the sea shore to the neighborhood of Mulek; while Moroni, with the main body of the army, unperceived by the enemy, made a forced march by night into the wilderness which lay on the west of the city. There he rested. Lehi, with a third corps, remained in the city of Bountiful.
On the morrow, Teancum's small division was discovered by the Lamanite outposts, and from the fewness of its numbers they judged it would fall an easy prey. Jacob at once sallied forth at
