Hon W G Swan [i.e., William Graham Swan (1821-1869)]
Dear Sir,

     Having met you but once but believeing you to be a perfect gentleman and have often heard my Husband express his opinion as such, I do not hesitate to write to you and ask you to lend your influence in Mr Meeks behalf. Therefore hope you will excuse the liberty I take. This evening he was arrested and taken to Knoxville, what for no one knows but the scoundrel who had it done, but God knows he has done nothing, that such trouble and affliction should be

brought upon him and his family. The arrest was not made for any act, he has committed, but his own personal enemys have been the cause, for there own personal gratification. I assure you this upon the honor of lady. Knowing you to be a gentleman of influence and can do whatever you undertake, let me beg of you to exert all your influence and power for his immediate release for suspence will be allmost death, and you shall be ample rewarded in pecuniary aid and heart felt thankfulness. Feel for me and my darling boy, as you would any one would feel for your wife and little ones, were they placed in the same place and circumstances. Do all in your power to have Mr Meek immediately released

and again restored to his family, for he has been guilty of no word or act contrary to our new Government, and this can be testified to by the most upright and influential men our town and county afford's. Now for God's sake do all in your for Mr Meek's immediate release. If you do that I know you can accomplish Good things, and God in heaven will bless you for relieveing the distressed. Show this to Mr Meek if permitted, and consult with him Please let me heare from you immediately, So I may know what to depend upon

Your's truly
Mrs Jas Monroe Meek