If the Nephite retreat was continental (from Panama to New York), one would have to ask why the Lamanite king would allow the Nephites to gather (from all over what is now the United States and Mexico) when many of the Nephites would have needed to bypass the Lamanite king's armies to do so? Moreover, how could a Lamanite king stay 5000 miles away from his people (in South America) for so long (up to 4 years) without the Lamanite society at home becoming chaotic? And if the Lamanite king wasn't with his army but was at home (in South America), would the Nephites think of reaching him with a message (Mormon 6:2-3) which required 12,000 miles round trip? [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]