just been elected to fill the vacancy. Apparently matters were still in an unsettled state when Coriantumr suddenly made a rapid dash down the banks of the Sidon, through the most thickly populated portions of the Nephite territory. Everywhere the people were unprepared to withstand his progress, and so rapid was his advance that the Nephites had no time to gather their forces. He unexpectedly, through forced marches, reached the city of Zarahemla, cut down the weak guard at the entrance of the city, and, with his whole army, entered the capital of the Nephites in triumph. The chief judge of the republic, Pacumeni, attempted to escape, but was followed and captured at the city walls, where he was slain by Coriantumr.
The Lamanite general appears to have acted with great severity, if not cruelty, towards the citizens of the conquered city. He slew many, others were cast into prison, and he made himself undisputed master of all it contained.
This easy victory greatly emboldened Coriantumr. He determined to carry out the same maneuvres and, if possible, obtain command of the northern parts of the land. Therefore, leaving a portion of his forces to garrison Zarahemla, he marched rapidly northward at the head of a large army. The small bands of Nephite patriots who hastily gathered to oppose his progress were met in detail and overwhelmed. The number of their slain was very large.
Moronihah, the Nephite general, had anticipated that Coriantumr, following the usual custom of the Lamanite leaders, would first attack the most exposed and outlying cities, and consequently had there posted his armies of defense. Coriantumr's maneuvre was therefore a complete surprise to him, and it took some little time before he could gather his troops to do efficient service. In the meantime, the Lamanites continued their vic-
