Redaction: Pahoran begins with a declaration of his identity, his title, and Moroni’s authority as chief captain. Although this is a mere statement of fact, it is also designed to quiet Moroni’s concerns immediately. Although Mormon describes no intervening events, thereby leaving the impression of an immediate turnaround, it must have taken perhaps a week for Moroni’s epistle to reach Pahoran and for Pahoran’s response to return by the same military courier. During that week, Moroni would have had ample time to keep stewing about Pahoran’s perceived treason and injustice—although he probably also had time to cool off and see how heated his own rhetoric had been.
Thus, this opening sentence was very important, designed to allay Moroni’s greatest fears. By confirming Moroni’s position as the army’s leader, Pahoran reassures Moroni that the government has not changed nor is he going to attempt to strip Moroni of his legitimate power. This confirmation of authority is followed by a recognition of army’s afflictions. Since Moroni had accused Pahoran of not caring, this opening is further designed to immediately deny the accusations Moroni has hurled against Pahoran and his government.