MEXICAN CAVALRY SABER

(Equivalent in size to U.S. Model 1860 Cavalry saber)

Owned by Sergeant John Ward
Seminole Negro Indian Scout
&
Medal of Honor recipient

Marking on brass hand guard: "Estado de Zacatecas"

Under the command of Lieutenant John L. Bullis, the
Seminole Negro Indian Scouts, including Sgt. Ward,
made border crossings into Mexico in pursuit of Lipan
and Mescalero Apache Indians, with the 4th Cavalry under
Col. R.S. Mackenzie in 1873, the 10th Cavalry under Capt.
T.C. Lebo in 1874, the 10th Cavalry and 24th Infantry under
Lieut. Colonel W.R. Shafter in 1875-76, the 10th Cavalry
under Capt. A.S.B. Keyes & the 8th Cavalry under Capt.
S.B.M. Young in 1877. By the end of that decade, these
hard fought campaigns in the mountains of northern
Mexico and along the Rio Grande ended the Indian wars
in southwest Texas. Sergeant Ward acquired this sword
during one of these forays into Mexico.

Given to Charles G. Downing
in 1956 by Mrs. Dolly July, daughter
of Sergeant John Ward. A gift to the
Fort Clark Historical Society
by Gordon Downing
as a memorial to his father,
Charles G. Downing,
active historical society member
1981-1993