"Washington Artillery"

The Washington Artillery was organized at Pottsville, in July, 1842, under Captain (since Brigadier General) James Nagle. At the breaking out of the Mexican war, its services were tendered to the Governor, and accepted. Its ranks being immediately recruited to the maximum number, it was, on the 15th of December, 1846, mustered into the service of the United States at Pittsburg, as company " B," 1st regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Francis M. Wynkoop, hitherto a private in the ranks of the Artillerists, was elected Colonel of the regiment. Retiring from Mexico with thinned ranks, the company was mustered out, at Philadelphia, on the 27th of July, 1848, and the scarred veterans were received at Pottsville with honors befitting the brave.

Cherishing 'esprit du corps', and proud of their history, the organization and drill of the company was studiously maintained, their ranks being continually recruited from the young men desirous of emulating their valor. On several occasions the company was called out to assist in quelling disturbances, which the civil authorities were unable to repress, and always performed this disagreeable duty in a manner to command the confidence and gratitude of all law abiding citizens.