Ever Dear wife

     How long did Jimmie cry? It was the first time he was so distressed about leaving me. When he got his waggon it fixed him all right I suppose. How did you get home? Safe I hope and not much inconvenience.
I have not gone to Knoxville yet. The weather has been so bad that I did not go hoping each day that it would be better.
Here Thomas has given Hood a thorough whipping capturing three whole Divisions with all the Officers including the Generals commanding the Divisions. Hood is in full retreat towards Columbia Tenn. and Thomas after him. Hood will in all probability loose the most, if not the whole of his army.
How did Adda stand the trip home? I hope she will improve and become stout and hearty. The weather is extremely cold this morning. the coldest we have had this winter. I hope you and the children are comfortable. have

good fires and comfortable every way. I have been debating in my mind whether to come home this morning or go to Knoxville. I have buisness at Knoxville and think I had better go now and come up if the way is clear and safe on Christmus day or before. If it is not too cold and the cars come to the Plains I will go to Knoxville today
Dr Rodifer [i.e., Dr. William P. Rodifer] will hand you this and will return to Knoxville tomorrow you can write me by him. Give all the news and what you think about the safety of my coming home as soon as I get to Knoxville and arrange my buisness I hope you got your hogs from Sawyers and have them saved.
It is so cold this morning that I can hardly write my fingers are so cramped that I am making a bad hand at penmanship.
Te[. . .] Adda and Jimmie to be good children. May a kind Providence keep safe and harmless you our children and our home
     Write me soon

Ever yours
Jas M Meek