CSS Teaser

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A 12 pounder rifled cannon on the bow of the CSS Teaser and a 32 pounder rifled cannon on it's stern. She was a tug boat prior to the war, but was purchased by the State of Virginia in early 1861. She acted as a tender for the CSS Virginia during the Battle of Hampton Roads. The Teaser was also used to lay mines and even served as a platform for a Confederate observation balloon. A Union shell struck her boilers forcing the crew to abandon ship which was then captured by the USN, repaired, and put into Federal Service as the USS Teaser.

 

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In this beautiful and very accurate picture by the late Tom Freeman, CSS Virginia is going out to do battle. On her starboard side is CSS Teaser CSS Patrick Henry to port. in the distance aft is CSS Nansemond and in the distance CSS ex USS Plymouth.