Before becoming Minister 
Before becoming Minister to Spain, this man published a set of Tales of the Alhambra. The Kaatskills are haunted by Henry Hudson's crew, who are seen playing ninepins in one of this author's stories written as (*) "Geoffrey Crayon." In another of his tales, Brom Bones marries Katrina van Tassel after Ichabod Crane meets the Headless Horseman. For 10 points, name this author of "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
Before becoming Minister to Spain, this man published a set of Tales of the Alhambra.
Washington Irving