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 Monday, April 13, 2009

June 17, 1841: Carpets

This day purchased of a Turk called Mustapha ten persian hearth rugs or carpets - who eventually took one third less than the price asked - the colours are good but the patterns are not much to our taste - cost 9 to 13 Spanish dollars each - the carpets are made in the interior of Asia minor about 2 days march from Koniah -

In the evening took a long walk on the marina or sea side as it is a promenade much frequented at Smyrna where are coffees - at which ice creams or gelatines after the Italian fashion are served out - the ladies partake of these refreshments outside the coffees - that is the Greek ladies.

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