Welcome to Henry's Travel Blog!
Although he kept detailed business papers, Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw left little personal material for biographers to consider in analyzing his life. One of the few items which remain is a series of five journals. Following his retirement from the hardware business in 1840, Shaw traveled abroad and made notes, recollections, and even sketches in these small bound books. Join us as we chart Henry's journey to Europe and beyond.
 
Shaw's variable spellings, punctuation, and grammar, preserved throughout, are typical even for well-educated gentlemen in the 19th Century. Important note (4/14/09): The entries from March 11, 2009 through April 8, 2009, correspond to recently discovered text from Henry Shaw's journal. They will be posted online under the correct dates to preserve chronological accuracy.
 
   
   

Posted Online Sunday, April 12, 2009

June 16, 1841: Bazars

Went this morning thro the bazars - which are filled with the various commodities in demand in this part of Asia -
cloathing of all sorts, saddles & harness for asses and camels with trappings of scarlet cloth - pipes with long stems called chibouks,and tobacco, occupy a conspicuous part - cup holders of delicate silver filagree work were offered me as also fancy slippers - and gold corded head dresses and red scull caps for ladies - handkerchiefs of white muslin with gold embroidered corners at 20 piasters (abt 3/- sng. each)

Went to the wharves where the porters or Hummels were employed bringing the loading for the ships - bales of wool and valonia - weighing 300 to 400 1 were carried on the backs of these men who wear an immense pad or saddle - and surprised that many of them are old men carrying such heavy burdens have seen no wheel'd carriage in the place except a gilt donkey carriage that the old Governor rides in sometimes - the roads and streets are too narrow and uneven for carriages.

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