Confederatevets.com

Solomon Van Meler.Born in Pendleton County on South Branch. Lives in Pendleton County on North Fork, about two miles from the mouth of Seneca. Has never seen the Northern army or any of their allies. Has no acquaintance on the Dry Fork of Cheat. Heard Snyder was gallanting the Yankees about on the Dry Fork of Cheat and in Randolph. Does not believe anybody went from his neighborhood to join them. Has not been in Hardy County for two or three years. Says he was for the Union until the State went out, and he goes with the State and for the Government at Richmond. Is a poor laboring man. Rents land and his family is dependent on his labor. Stays at home and attends to his business. There is no charge or evidence against this man. He is in feeble health and has suffered much in prison. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance. I would further as a matter of humanity recommend he be permitted to remain until able to travel home.