 In December 1864, members of the Washington Artillerists Frances P. Dewees and Samuel R. Russel wrote a letter to Congressman A. G. Curtin of Pennsylvania to outline the importance of the First Defenders' actions at the early stages of the war.They requested that the men of the First Defenders receive recognition in the form of an awarded medal.On May 26, 1891, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania made appropriation of $1,500 for such medals of honor.