In the summer of 1859, stories about the experiences of mariners living along the Mystic River during the War of 1812, were published in Mystic’s weekly newspaper, The Mystic Pioneer. The accounts were authenticated by eyewitnesses to the events who were still alive. Here is the story of Patriot Rock, the large boulder on East Shore Avenue, and the courageous fight at Groton Long Point that resulted in the capture of a Royal Marine barge from the bomb-ship HMS Teror of the British blockading squadron (also consisting of a ship-of-the-line, two frigates, and a 20-gun brig then anchored off North Dumpling) that occurred on the day after The Battle of Stonington. The British squadron was commanded by Thomas Hardy, Captain of the Victory under Lord Nelson at Trafalgar. r
On the 12th of August, 1814, the next day after the signal repulse of the English at Stonington, the victorious Yankees, as if not satisfied with their noble defense of the borough, and the injury they had done to the British ships, planned to decoy a barge from the ships lying off the Hummocks, and to capture her. To this end a plot was laid by Captain Eldredge Packer, and others of kindred daring, which was as follows:
First, a few squads of militiamen were detailed from the companies near Mystic, lately called out for the defense of Stonington, and were put under the command of Captain Packer. They were detailed as volunteers and the company numbered about eighty men. They were marched down behind the hills and through the woods to Long Point, where they were secreted behind the eastern bank of the Point, ready to act upon a given signal.
Captain John Barber was stationed in a concealed spot near a large rock, where he could look out upon the Sound towards the ships, to watch the movements and to give Captain Packer and his men the given signal. Meanwhile, not knowing but the barge might be decoyed into the mouth of the Mystic River, or that the victors might be pursued by a second barge, Captain Jonathan Wheeler, with the regular company under his command, was stationed on the west bank of what is now called Lighthouse Point.
Second, a large fishing-boat with a sail resembling the present Block Island boats was obtained and taken to the mouth of the river, where she was voluntarily manned for the errand by Simeon Haley, captain, Paul Burrows, Henry Park, Peter Washington and Ezekiel Tufts.
The boat now sailed out around Long Point and made as if she were bound westward on business. She was soon spied by the English ships, and a barge from the bomb-ship "Terror", with fourteen men commanded by Lieutenant Chambers, was sent to overhaul her. The boat at first turned as if to run up to New London, and then, in her apparent fright and confusion, turned as if to escape into Mystic River. While tacking and filling and rowing withal, as if for life, the barge was fast coming up to her.
Finally, as if in despair, the boat with full sail and bending oars ran straight on to the east beach of Long Point and her men fled over the bank. The barge was hard upon her heels and intent upon seizing the boat as probably loaded with something valuable.
As the barge touched the beach, Captain Barber rose up and waved his sword as the signal to the men in ambush. Instantly Captain Parker and his men rose up and, firing on the barge, demanded her surrender. Lieutenant Chambers stood firmly yet evidently confounded. Resistance was in vain. The lieutenant simply remarked: ‘I have heard of Yankee tricks, but this is the first that I have experienced.’
Unfortunately the fire of some of Captain Packer’s men was too low. One man, a Scotchman, was killed by a shot through the head and two men were wounded.
The prisoners and the barge were immediately brought up to Mystic. The Scotchman was buried with military and religious services – with dirgeful fife, muffled drum and fervent prayer. His body was laid in the northwest part of the old Packer Cemetery, under an apple tree which is still standing, (1859). The generous honors paid to the unfortunate marine, falling thus alone in the service of his country far away from his native land, and paid, too, by his country’s enemies, most deeply affected the heart of Lieutenant Chambers, who was, indeed, a gentleman, and a brave and generous officer.
The wounded men were taken to the house then standing, where now stands the residence of Joseph Avery. The men were so tenderly and faithfully cared for that they remarked ‘that they wished they might always remain wounded, for they never in their lives fared so well.’
When the prisoners were exchanged, the citizens of Mystic presented to Lieutenant Chambers a purse of one hundred dollars in consideration of his gentlemanly and officerly conduct.
The captors received twelve hundred dollars for the barge and fourteen hundred dollars for the prisoners.
Mystic Bridge, Conn. June 30, 1859
PS – The above account is vouched by Capt. Jonathan Wheeler who is still alive.
