Confederatevets.com

Simeon Nelker.-Born in Kalisch, Russian Poland. Educated in part in Kalisch; completed his studies at Berlin; Jewish rabbi. In pursuance of the arrangements of his church traveled before he could assume the full functions of his order. Traveled through Great Britain and in May, 1860, came to New York; staid there two or three weeks, then went through several other cities to New Orleans; went from New Orleans to visit Solomon Franklin of Richland, Ark., who he says is his cousin. Returned to New Orleans; thence to Mobile; traveled through Alabama; went back to New Orleans; then to Saint Louis and through to Canada. Visited the cities of Canada as far as Quebec. Then back through Detroit, Chicago, Saint Louis to New Orleans; then came to Tennessee and through Lynchburg to Warrenton, Fauquier. On his return from Fauquier he was arrested on the cars and sent to Richmond. Says he wishes to go to Solomon Franklin's, in Arkansas, and remain there until the war is over or until he can return to his own country. Says his father is a man of great wealth. Says he never inquired into the condition of our armies, or gave any information, directly or indirectly, to the enemy. I inclose with this examination Provost-Marshal Boyle's order sending him here. Jacob Peck, of Richmond, tailor, testifies: He knew the prisoner in Kalisch. They went to the same school. He is the son of a rich merchant in Kalisch, and was educated as a rabbi. Witness came to the United States several years ago, and has lived in Richmond two years. Samuel H. Rich testifies that he (witness) came to Richmond two years ago. Was to have come to the United States when Nelker left Kalisch but could not get off. Says he knew Nelker. He was educated as a rabbi and traveled according to the regulations of the church before he was fully inducted into his position. Col. Robert Johnson, member of Congress from Arkansas, informs me Solomon Franklin is a firm friend of the South. I recommend Nelker be discharged and be furnished when he requests it with a passport to go by Memphis and Napoleon to Richland, in Arkansas.