This unit was distinct from the Wise Legion Artillery which was a battalion formed in the Kanawha Valley in 1861 as part of Brig.

Ephraim G. Alburtis organized the company in Berkeley County, Virginia, in 1859 in response to John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry.

A group of men from this company are seen in a drawing of John Brown's execution as drawn by David Hunter Strother.

The battery was mustered into Confederate service on April 19, 1861 when it was entered as "Co. B" of the 1st Virginia Light Artillery Regiment.

Lt. John Pelham was the drillmaster and artillery instructor for the unit, which he joined in June 1861.