The 5th Kentucky was enlisted for one year of service.They entered Kentucky through the Pound Gap during the Confederate Kentucky Campaign of 1862.During this campaign they advanced into Kentucky to within hearing distance of the Battle of Perryville.After the Confederates decided to leave the state,Humphrey Marshall decided to march the men back east to leave the state through the Pound Gap.They were infantry!On thier march back east near Hazel Green,Ky.thier one year enlistments ran out.They told Marshall they were willing to reenlist for the duration of the war but only as a mounted unit.Marshall informed them that the departments quota for cavalry was full and denied thier request.Many of the original 5th stacked thier arms and left the Confederate Army that day.Most would rejoin but in Cavalry Regiments such as the 10th Kentucky or in the 7th Battalion Confederate Cavalry.The members of the 5th that stayed and reenlisted for the duration of the war would be the core of the 5th Kentucky that would become part of the famed Orphan Brigade under Col.Hiram Hawkins.They did not become a mounted infantry regiment until the very end of 1864.It is important to note however that as early as 1861 the 5th did have mounted Infantry Battalions,these were commanded by Captain Shawhan.I hope this helps clear up some of the confusion.