The Nephites, who under King Limhi dwelt in the land of Lehi-Nephi, like their brethren in Zarahemla, had heard nothing of the others since they parted many years before. At one time they all lived in that great city which was their capital, but restive souls among them, urged many to unite and return to Lehi-Nephi where it was hoped they could re-establish homes in the land which under the Mosaic Law they believed was the land of their inheritance. Many who departed with Zeniff and also many who remained in Zarahemla felt bereft of the association of friends and loved ones from whom they hoped to hear.
The uncertainty of the fate of the others preyed heavily upon them. They wished to know what had become of one another. They grew insistent to the extent that King Mosiah, who lived in Zarahemla, ordered a party of strong men to go search them out. After forty days they found their ill-fortuned brethren existing in a most grievous manner. Ammon learned that they were abused, spied upon, and were watched continually by the Lamanites who had imposed taxes which were beyond any measure of need. In fact they were in bondage.
King Limhi, though sorely burdened, rejoiced because now that their brethren in Zarahemla would soon know of their oppression, they would be delivered. In his hour of thankfulness, the king even expressed the willingness of his people to be slaves of their brethren if they so desired. But, however, this thing could not be done; the Law of Moses prohibited brethren from enslaving brethren. In any event, Limhi, the wretched overseer-for he was only nominally a king-determined that, if possible, his people would no longer pay tribute to the Lamanite king. "I will rejoice," he said, "and on the morrow I will cause that my people shall rejoice also."
King Limhi then bid his soldiers to release Ammon and his friends and to take such help to the others of Ammon's companions that he had left at the camping place near Shilom, for they were, doubtless, weary and worn with the toils of a long journey in which they had "suffered hunger, thirst, and fatigue."