February 4, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Harper’s Weekly has the following well deserved compliment to the Washington Artillery, Capt. WALTER, accompanied by a cut representing the uniform of the company.
‘This is the largest and most efficient corps in this branch of the service among the citizen soldiers of Charleston, having a roll of one hundred and fifty active members. A detachment of this corps is at present stationed at Fort Moultrie, where, in the late attack upon the steamship Star of the West, they gave strong evidence of what may be expected at their hands should Charleston be invaded. When the Ordinance of Secession was passed, this corps was the first to offer its services to the State. Their arms are six brass field pieces, and Minnie muskets with Maynard primers.’
As the MERCURY has already stated, the Washington Artillery have been relieved from Fort Moultrie, and a detachment of thirty members have charge of Fort Walter, on Sullivan Island, guarding the Maffit’s Channel. The entire company, however, is under orders to be ready for service at three hour’ notice – one hour of which will suffice to turn the W. A. out to a man.