Mexican War Presentation Cane to First Lieutenant

Wood cane, 34 in., including 1.25 in. knob and 1.625 in ferrule. Knob is eight-sided, engraved on seven of the faces: "The Wood in this Cane Came from Quarters Built at Jefferson Barracks MD. in 1826. / Which Were Occupied in 1843 by Lieut Henderson Ridgely 4th US Inf'y / and His Wife Mary Benson Ridgely and / Where Their Daughter Octavia was born October 6, 1843. / Henderson Ridgely was Killed in Mexico in 1847. / Offical Report / A Victim to Gallantry Never Surpassed." Top of knob reads, "F.L. Ridgely / from / Capt. Geo. K. Hunter / and / Lieut. P.W. West / US Army / January 1. 1898."

Lieutenant Henderson Ridgely, 4th US Infantry, joined the Mexican American War attached to Major Lally's battalion at Vera Cruz, and participated in many engagements on the march to Jalapa. Once there, Ridgely came under the command of General Lane, and upon relentlessly pursuing a party of guerillas, came in contact with General Rea's entire force at the Pass of Galaxra on November 24, 1847. There, Ridgely was mortally wounded and captured. His remains were, at length, recovered by US forces and interred at the Episcopal Cemetery in St. Louis with military honors.
Condition Report: Cane with general wear including scratches and nicks to shaft and tarnish/scratching to knob and ferrule.