Roster of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865, shows:

Downs, John H. KY 12th Cav. Co.E [US]

KENTUCKY 12TH CAVALRY REGIMENT [US] began organizing in 08/16/1862 - mustered in to US service 11/17/1862 with 11 Co's at Owensboro. A 12th Co was on scout and mustered in later at Munfordville. During Morgan's 1st KY raid, the Reg under Col Harlan & Gen Hobson, engaged in protecting L&N RR - saved Rolling Fork & Shepherdsville RR bridges from being destroyed. 05/10/1863, engaged with Morgan at Horseshoe Bottom. In June, Morgan crossed Cumberland River at Burkesville; reg engaged him at Marrowbone. Pursued Morgan through Indiana & Ohio. Reassembled at Glasgow. Burnside's East TN campaign. Knoxville, 09/05/1863, moved up the valley to Jonesboro; sent South to Knoxville, near Sweetwater & Philadelphia, where it was surrounded but was able to cut its way out; moved to Loudon. Returned next day 7 fought enemy for 2 days; crossed to North side of TN River. Moved up to Knoxville, crossed Holston River, went down river 16 miles, encountered enemy, fell back to Knoxville, recrossed river, went to Loudon Road where it contested Longstreet's approach. Siege of Knoxville. Pursuit up the valley. Battle of Bean's Station. Remained in East TN for winter. Jan 1864, attacked at Dandridge but defended position. Marched to Knoxville via Maryville, reaching there 02/03/1864. Returned to KY for refit & remount. May, 1864, moved with Gen Stoneman via Point Burnside into TN. 05/06/1864 at Kimgston. Joined Sherman at Varnell's Station, GA & engaged in Atlanta campaign. After capture of Atlanta, ordered back to KY & encamped at Camp Nelson & prepared for Gen Stoneman's Saltville, VA raid. Fought at Glade Spring, Bristol & Blountsville. Ordered to KY and spent winter of 1864 protecting the L&N RR. 03/20/1865, ordered to Knoxville, TN for Stoneman's raid into VA & NC. Moved into VA via Bristol, followed RR to Wythville, turned right into NC with little resistance. Engaged at Boone. Moved down Yadkin River, crossed Dee River & went to Salisbury, took it by storm, recapturing about 1,000 Union troops. Moved to Asheville, then Anderson, SC, then to Athens, GA, then back to Louisville where it mustered out 08/23/1865.

The Union Army, Vol IV, p. 354-355