My Dear wife

     Yours of the 6th Inst reached while Dan was here. I was much pleased and gratified to hear from you Jimmie and all my Dear friend. I wrote you by Dan which reached you ere now.
Dan left here on the 11th and was to Telegraph back from Knoxville. I have been anxiously looking for a telegram from him yesterday and today. Should my friends succeed in getting a release for us tell Dan to [. . .] with it himself.
I hope you are all well and [. . .] ever be blessed with health
I am in good health and spirits and have been for a couple of days with Thornburgh [i.e., Montgomery Thornburgh (1817-1862)]. He is at the Planter's House in this City.

I fear Lizzie he cannot live. Nothing [. . .]ort of a miracle can save him. The Rev. Mr Evans of this place has been often to see him and pray with him. Thornburgh has some evidence of a change and hope from the relief of many sorrows. How sorry I am for him and his family! How short and uncertain life and how it fly unheeded by us. Give Mrs Thornburgh my sympathy and condolence.
I have some fears of this climate but believe and trust I can weather it. I have so full and firm a belief that I shall see you and Jimmie and all my friends again that it amounts almost to me to a certainty Take good care of yourself and Jimmie and ever rest assured that you have the first place in the thoughts, regard, and love of your ever constant husband

J. M. Meek