A Refutation of the Charges Made against the Confederate States of America of Having Authorized the Use of Explosive and Poisoned Musket and Rifle Balls during the Late Civil War of 1861-65

The author investigates and rejects allegations that Confederate forces authorized the use of explosive or poisoned musket and rifle balls during the Civil War, arguing that the claim lacks evidence and that surviving medical records and museum catalogs show no supporting cases. He presents a personal account of finding projectiles on the field, technical examination of a specimen, and documentary materials including official correspondence and ordnance testimony to show Confederate denial and to contend that the federal authorities did purchase and use explosive rifle projectiles. The paper analyzes manufacture, issuance, battlefield reports, and medical histories to trace the origin of the charge and to rebut it point by point.