Born in New York in 1783, died at Sunnyside in 1859; studied
law, but owing to ill health went abroad in 1804, remaining
two years; returning home, began to publish "Salmagundi" in
company with James K. Paulding; published in 1809 his
"History of New York," which established his literary
reputation; went abroad in 1815, remaining until 1832;
attached to the legation in Madrid in 1826; secretary of
legation in London in 1829; minister to Spain in 1842;
published the "Sketch Book" in 1819-20, "Bracebridge Hall"
in 1822, "Tales of a Traveler" in 1824, "Christopher
Columbus" in 1828, "Conquest of Granada" in 1829, "The
Alhambra" in 1832, "Life of Washington" in 1855-59; author
of many other books; his "Life and Letters" published in
1861-67.
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