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
"A Refutation of the Charges Made against the Confederate States of America of…”, written by Rev. Horace Edwin Hayden, is a historical account produced in the late 19th century. The book aims to address and refute allegations that the Confederate States authorized the use of explosive and poisoned bullets during the American Civil War of 1861-65. Rev. Hayden, a member of several historical societies, presents evidence to support his claims and seeks to clarify misconceptions about the Confederacy's wartime conduct. In this work, Hayden meticulously critiques assertions made, particularly those by Benson J. Lossing, who claimed that Confederate forces used inhumane weapons during battles such as Gettysburg. He provides a comprehensive investigation into various claims, denouncing them as unfounded and emphasizing that similar explosive projectiles were actually utilized by Union forces. Hayden supports his arguments with testimonials from prominent figures of the time, including former Confederate officials, and offers a thorough examination of military records and patents, ultimately aiming to clear the Confederacy's name from what he perceives as slanderous accusations.