The CSS TEASER (later USS TEASER) served as a gunboat for the Confederacy during the opening days of the war. She also, oddly enough, served as an observation balloon carrier along the James River. She participated in action at Hampton Roads alongside the CSS VIRGINIA during the historic battle with the USS MONITOR. On the 4th of July 1862 she was captured by the Union forces and served the remainder of her career as part of the Potomac Flotilla on blockade duty. She was decommissioned soon after the war and became the civilian tug York River.
![01053 - Captured 100 pdr. Gun; Confederate gunboat TEASER-July 4, 1862 [LC-DIG-cwpb-01053]](/img/s/v-10/p1324534662-3.jpg)