Career
Face was recognized in the official report of the battle by Franklin Buchanan, Flag Officer, Confederate States Navy. Buchanan, the captain of the ironclad Computer Software Systems Virginia during the battle, cited Teaser for actions in support of Virginia"s attack on the Federal fleet:
"Lieutenant Commanding Webb (William A Webb) specially notices the coolness displayed by Acting Master Face.. when facing the heavy fire of artillery and musketry from the shore.."
Teaser took an active part in both days of the battle, acting as tender to Virginia.
She received the thanks of the Congress of the Confederate States for this action.
Face had previously commanded the boat (June 1861 - January 1862). Teaser was built at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Purchased at Richmond, Virginia by the State of Virginia in 1861, she was assigned to the naval forces in the James River with Lieutenant James Henry Rochelle, Virginia State Navy, in command prior to June 1861. And some military shipping.. through the navigable waters of the state of Virginia.
William H. Face was the son of Edward Face (1808–1840) and Catherine Heffley Face (1805–1876).
Edward Face was the chief carpenter at Fortress Monroe while 1st Lieutenant Robert East. Lee was stationed there (1831-1834). Lee played a major role in the final construction of both Fortress Monroe and its opposite, Fort Calhoun, later renamed Fort Wool. Both forts would later provide great vantage points for the but neither played an important part in the action.
William H. Face married Sarah East. Dunbar (1828–1889) in Norfolk County, Virginia on April 10, 1850.
