Robert D. Meek subsequently joined the 2nd Mississippi Partisan Rangers (Ballentine's Regiment of Cavalry), was captured near the Tallahatchie River on April 20, 1863, and died of smallpox in military prison at Alton, Illinois, June 16, 1863.

In his letter of resignation, Capt. Jefferson Meek cited his advanced age, as well as the fact that he had lost two sons and a son-in-law to the war effort. His description of conditions facing his wife back home is moving.