A native of Connecticut, Halleck came to New York in 1811 and became associated with a group of literary men, with one of whom, Joseph Rodman Drake, he wrote in 1819 a series of articles for the New York "Evening Post." His fame was established that year with the publication of "Fanny," a satire on the follies of society. Halleck was later employed as confidential secretary to John Jacob Astor; when Astor died in 1848 he left Halleck an annuity, allowing him to resume his career as an author.