Dear Wife.

     I came through safe this morning with the cars still roaring in my head. I do not feel verry well. I am stopping at the St Cloud for the present. Mr Hodgsden is there and I am in the room with him.
When I got on the cars at New Market Randolph [i.e., James Henry Randolph (1825-1900), of Jefferson County] and Maxwell [i.e., William Henry Maxwell, of Washington County] were aboard enroute for Nashville. I came through with them.

Unable to sleep any last night I am so nervous as to be in quite a bad condition for writing.
On yesterday they house was without a quorum and consequently no buisness was done until today. The house is now in session and I am writting to you and voting and offering amendments all at the same time—and still more discussing parliamentary usage.
Wallace is here and I think I will go with him today for dinner—and see how I like his house.

Fleming [i.e., John M. Fleming, of Knox County] came through from Knoxville with us Patton from Washington County was in Knoxville and will be here in a day or so and take his seat.
Nashville I understand was put under Martial law today. This I find is doubtful upon talking with Maj Bicknell.
The weather is still cloudy and gloomy somewhat colder but still threatening rain.
I have heard no news here more than you know and will see by the public prints. Lizzie while I am away

from home I wish you to act on your own good sense and judgement and they will direct you right. I know you will appreciate my advise and if you thus do you cannot but be right. Keep Mary and Hiram at home and make them do right. If they do not you have only to let me know.
You are entitled to consideration and respect and no one has a right to dictate, impose on, or taunt or turn you from what your good sense and judgement dictate. You are the peer of any lady in our County I am their pubic servant. Stay as much at home as you can Lizzie.

Ever Yours
J.M. Meek

Jimmie and Ma are much thought of and missed by pa. Jimmie must learn to talk against comes home.

Lizzie this is too letters I have written you. I await your reply.