December 11, 1864: Confederates Have a New Secret Weapon

DECEMBER 11TH, 1864:  Commander George H. Preble, commanding the Naval Brigade fighting ashore with the forces of Major General Foster up the Broad River, South Carolina, reported to Rear Admiral Dahlgren concerning a unique "explosive ball" used by the Confederate forces against his skirmishers.

"It is a conical ball in shape, like an ordinary rifle bullet.  The pointed end is charged with fulminate.  The base of the ball separates from the conical end, and has a leaden  standard or plunger.  The explosion of the charge drives the base up, so as to flatten a thin disk of metal between it and the ball, the leaden plunger is driven against the fulminate, and it explodes the ball....

"It seems to me that the use of such a missile is an unnecessary addition to the barbarities of war."

Quite a confusing explanation but sure sounds like something to avoid.

--Old B-Runner