5 For they have used great flattery; and they have led away the hearts of many people, which will be the cause of sore affliction among us; they have withheld our provisions, and have daunted our freemen, that they have not come unto you.
6 And behold, they have driven me out before them, and I have fled to the land of Gideon, with as many men as it were possible that I could get.
7 And behold, I have sent a proclamation throughout this part of the land; and behold, they are flocking to us daily, to their arms, in the defense of their country, and their freedom, and to avenge our wrongs.
8 And they have come unto us, insomuch that those who have risen up in rebellion against us, are set at defiance; yea, insomuch that they do fear us, and durst not come out against us to battle.
9 They have got possession of the land, or the city of Zarahemla: they have appointed a king over them, and he hath written unto the king of the Lamanites, in the which he hath joined an alliance with him;
10 In the which alliance, he hath agreed to maintain the city of Zarahemla, which maintenance he supposeth will enable the Lamanites to conquer the remainder of the land, and he shall be placed king over this people, when they shall be conquered under the Lamanites.
11 And now, in your epistle you have censured me; but it mattereth not, I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.
12 I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment seat, that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people.
13 My soul standeth fast in that liberty, in the which God hath made us free.
14 And now behold we will resist wickedness, even unto bloodshed.
15 We would not shed the blood of the Lamanites, if they would stay in their own land.
