Lincoln and his cane?

[RJNorton]

Eva, I do not recall any mention of Lincoln and a cane during his Illinois years prior to 1857. The one presented to him in 1857 (in Susan's link) is the earliest I personally can recall Lincoln having a cane. Jerry mentioned that Mary wanted him to carry one for self protection, but I personally have not read that with regard to his Illinois years.

Donna, the cane in the photo you posted would not be the same cane Lincoln took to his inauguration as the couple pictured are (is) not Abraham and Mary Lincoln.

In truth, the most frequent connection between Abraham Lincoln and canes that I have read involves gifts of "Lincoln canes" to the Pueblos of New Mexico during the Civil War. Various reasons are given for the gift, but reading between the lines, it's my guess that the Union was trying to keep the Pueblos neutral during the war (or thanking them for their neutrality). Some sources imply Lincoln was responsible for the gift; other sources attribute it to the Superintendent of Indians for the Territory of New Mexico, Dr. Michael Steck. Lincoln's name was on each cane.