[804] practice at Cheraw, and was thus engaged when his patriotic sense of duty called him to arms. In February, 1861, he was appointed by Governor Pickens lieutenant in the First regiment of South Carolina regular infantry, then stationed at Sullivan's island. That regiment acted as heavy artillery, occupying Moultrie and other fortifications on the island. At the battle of Fort Sumter he was assistant quartermaster-general of South Carolina, with the rank of major, on the staff of Gen. R. G. M. Dunovant, and served with him until after the capture of that important fortress. He then returned to his regiment, with which he served until he was retired from the army. He was in all the engagements of Charleston harbor, which were of almost daily occurrence. He was sent with a portion of his command to Battery Wagner, on Morris island, under Lieutenant-Colonel Simkins, of his regiment. On July 18, 1863, he was shot from off his cannon, his skull on the left side of the head being fractured by a portion of a shell from Gillmore's land batteries. From the effect of this wound he was partially paralyzed for some eight or ten years. Though being so disabled that he was compelled to retire from the army, he was complimented by promotion to a captaincy. He especially distinguished himself at Battery Wagner on July 18, the day on which he was so seriously wounded. For two hours the gun that he commanded was the only one firing, and it held the enemy at bay, receiving the concentrated fire of the Federal guns, until Captain Powe, its gallant commander, fell seriously wounded. Then for a time the gun which he had commanded was silenced. He was carried into the dead room, in the bomb proof, with nearly all of his clothing shot off; but his faithful servant worked over him for many hours until he finally gave signs of returning consciousness. Upon reviving he found himself surrounded by his fellow officers. His colonel clasped him in his arms and exclaimed: ‘Powe, you are the hero of Battery Wagner.’ In his report of the engagement, General Taliaferro, who was in command, speaks in terms of high commendation of Captain Powe, the report appearing in the official records of the war. He was carried to Charleston, and after remaining there a few days, at the house of a friend, he was taken to his home in Cheraw. He was promoted captain and retired on full pay. As soon as he was able to do so he commenced
