Bruce,

Some new information:
Benjamin L. Snelling, brother of Charles V., married Mary Jane Davis Dec 18, 1860
Robert A. Paxton married Elizabeth H. Davis, 2 Dec, 1868.
Both Davis girls were the daughters of Thomas J. Davis.

In the 1860 Census, Jefferson Township, Johnson County, Missouri
Charles V. and Benjamin L, are listed in as family #2051
Robert A. Paxton is listed with his father, Archer Paxton as head, family #2084.
Thomas J. Davis (Mary J. & Eliza H.) family #2156

1870 Census, Post Oak Township, Johnson County, Missouri
Benjamin L. Snelling & Mary J. family #149
Robert A. Paxton & Eliza H. family #150

1880 Census, Lost Valley, Lane County, Oregon
Benjamin L. Snelling family #67
Robert A. Paxton family #69

In 1881 Robert had a son born in Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon
In 1883 Benjamin had a daughter born in Silver Lake, Lake County, Oregon.

In 1894 Benjamin lost his wife and a son in a fire in Silver Lake, Oregon. He then moved to Nevada.

My long and full of data point is, these two seem to have had a relationship prior to the war. This, to me, lends credence to Robert's story about being captured with Charles.

Also, I read somewhere and I cannot recall where, that Charles was on leave to visit a sick relation when he was captured. His mother died 5 June 1863. Almost exactly 2 months prior to him being captured. I wonder if he had just learned of her death and that was where he was headed or returning from. Do you know where the 5th Cavalry would have been during this time?