The service file jacket reads, Barker, John, Co. D, 5 Kentucky Mtd. Inf. (Confederate). Notice that none of the cards in his file read that way. They read, (1st) Co. D, 5 Regt. Kentucky Inf. Clerks at the U.S. War Department printed the title on theses file jackets just over a century ago. Information on the muster roll and prisoner-of-war cards came from Barker's company clerk or, in the case of the POW records, from Barker himself.
Captain Leonidas H. Elliott's file includes several documents which testify that this company served on foot during its twelve-month enlistment. Elliott requisitioned two dozen bayonets and scabbards at Camp Moccasin VA on April 17, 1862. The previous month he requisitioned a fife and a drum. Before being killed at Princeton VA on May 16, 1862, Capt. Elliott never requisitioned any supplies or equipment needed by mounted troops.
Those who served with this regiment in 1864-65 did so on horseback. That's the reason the U.S. War Department gave this Confederate regiment the title, 5th Kentucky Mounted Infantry. John Barker had long since left the regiment by that time. On Feb. 6, 1864, he reported himself as a Confederate deserter, 5th Kentucky Infantry, Louisa KY. John Barker was taken to Camp Chase and not allowed to take the oath of allegiance as he requested on June 10, 1864. He remained a prisoner at Camp Chase OH until released by Presidential order on March 10, 1865. At that time he was allowed to take the oath of allegiance and return home.
I hope this clears up the many misunderstandings we've had on this topic.