Simeon Haley

Among the most active patriots in the “cursed little hornet’s nest” of Mystic was Captain Simeon Haley (1781-1859). Haley went to sea at 17 and was captain by 23. In 1813, he was part of the crew from Mystic that saved the sloop Victory from capture, and he acted as prize master of the privateer Hero, taking command of the Fox after her capture by the Hero. During the Battle of Stonington Haley served in the battery, frequently being the one to fire the cannon. Haley also commanded the private armed boat True Blooded Yankee, as well as the boat that lured a British barge to capture at Groton Long Point. This postwar painting is attributed to John Brewster Jr. (© Mystic Seaport Collection, Mystic, CT, #1941.265)