Ever dear Wife

     Ben is coming up this morning and will give you a short note.
     We have had two of the heaviest rain of the season. One last night and one on Sunday evening.
I expect to go to Knoxville today if the train comes up as I understand it will. Mrs John Netherland has come through from Rodgersville. The Rebs were talking of arresting her and sending her to Richmond as a hostage for Gen Vaugh's [i.e., CS Brig. Gen. John Crawford Vaughn's] wife
     Col. Crawford has returned from Nashville. I have not seen him and do not know what he accomplished.
Mrs McFarland and Galbreath went to Knoxville yesterday. They did not see you as they came through New Market. If you had seen them you might have sent the Attorney Gen Election returns. They went on to Knoxville in the carriage. We have no news. There is some talk of a Morgan Raid. I do not believe there will be any thing of the kind.

As soon as the cars run to New Market I will be there.
I hope you and Jimmie are both in good health and that Adda [i.e., the author's daughter, Adda Burnside Meek (b. 1863)] is if not entirely well is soon to be so. I will not be long at Knoxville—not more than a day or so.
Alice and Lizzie Meek came over on Friday last and left yesterday evening. They both want to come to New Market
Perhaps if it does not look too much like rain you had better send me a shirt or two by Ben—if you have any way he can carry them Perhaps I had better send the saddle Bags.
     I hope soon to be home. and if I do not get to come you must make some arrangement to come down.
Mrs Col Bill Sawyers is at Knoxville yet—at the Franklin House. Send the Election returns by the first safe chance.

Ever yours
Jas M Meek