A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon/Lehonti

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LEHONTI. A Lamanite officer, chosen by the opponents of the war policy of the reigning sovereign, as their leader in their armed resistance to the royal proclamation (B. C. 73).

When the Nephite traitor, Amalickiah, fled to the Lamanites, the first step he took to accomplish his ambitious, though at present defeated, purposes, was to excite public feeling against the Nephites. The king gave way before his wiles and persuasiveness, but the great mass of the people, not being brought in contact with his brilliant person and shining abilities, were averse to hostilities. They too well remembered the horrors and disasters of the previous campaign. Amalickiah had, however, gained such influence over the king's mind that he was inexorable, and insisted on the invasion of Zarahemla. For this purpose, he issued a proclamtion and sent it among all his subjects, commanding them to gather to his standard. The people greatly dreaded the arbitrary power of the throne, but they feared the Nephites more. Consequently, many refused to heed the proclamation, and assembled themselves at Onidah, the place of arms, for protection against an army the king had placed under the command of Amalickiah to bring them to terms, and which was now rapidly advancing towards them. Here they chose Lehonti as their leader and king, for they were strong in their determination not to go to war with the Nephites. Lehonti assembled his forces on a mount called Antipas, and there awaited the arrival of the royal troops.

Lehonti, however, little knew the temper or craft of the man with whom he was dealing. Amalickiah had no intention to spill Lamanite blood. He wanted their friendship now, that he might use them as his willing tools hereafter. To this end, when night came, he sought an interview with Lehonti, who, fearing treachery, refused to go down near to his camp. Three times did Amalickiah send his message, and as often was the proposal declined. At last, the plotter went up the mountain, to near where Lehonti's camp was situated, and there told him to come out and meet him, and if he feared any evil, to bring his guard with him. This time the cautious Lehonti acquiesced. At the interview that followed, Amalickiah agreed to surrender his forces to Lehonti, on condition that he (Amalickiah) should be placed second in command of the united forces. The plot was successfully carried out. Lehonti surrounded the royal troops before morning; they, seeing their predicament, were loth to do battle with their countrymen and pleaded with their commander to surrender. This he did, for it was exactly what he had been working for. Lehonti faithfully carried out the terms of the agreement and placed Amalickiah second in command. The conscienceless traitor soon removed the commander-in-chief; Lehonti was killed by slow poison, administered by a creature of his subordinate, and Amalickiah assumed supreme command.