Charles Edward Carryl (1841-1920) worked as a director of a number of
railway companies until he took a position in the New York Stock
Exchange, which he held from 1874 to 1908. He married Mary Wetmore in
1869, with whom he had two children, Guy Wetmore Carryl (who later
became a poet and humorist), and Constance Carryl (to whom "The
Admiral's Caravan" was dedicated). Previously, in 1891, Carryl published
another children's book, "Davy and the Goblin". "The Admiral's Caravan"
appeared first in serialized form in the children's periodical "St
Nicholas" beginning in 1891; it was published in book form first in 1892
and remained in print for many years. "The Admiral's Caravan" is one of
the last important works of nineteenth-century American children's
fantasy published before "The Wizard of Oz" appeared in 1900. The story
takes place -- as such stories often do -- on Christmas Eve when young
Dorothy embarks on an adventure with the Admiral, the Highlander, and
Sir Walter Rosettes, three wooden statues who come alive on that magic
evening...