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 Wednesday, April 15, 2009

June 19, 1841: Austrian Steamer

Took passage in Austrian Danube Companys steamer Crescent for Constantinople - walked before breakfast again amongst the bazars & the business part of the city - long lines of slow moving camels were coming in loaded with wool and valohia - which is a sort of large acorn and used in dying - the camel is a patient mild looking creature - uttering occasionally a noise that I can compare to nothing but a loud noise moan - they shed their wool at this season of the year which gives them a squalled naked arpearance - their foals accompany them -

At some of the bazaars roast mutton and bread is sold - a plateful at 2 piastras - abt 80 cents - the turks are very moderate eaters - and drinking anything stronger than water forbidden by the Koran -

At the appointed hour went on board the steamer to depart for Stamboul - the turks all take deck passages and there they sit squatted on their legs - with the chibouk in the mouth - some wearing the fez or red cap and some the turban - the cabin passengers were 7 englishmen, one turkish governor & two Italians - residents of Const- - the governor was from a small place in the interior Anatolia -

Receding gradually from the port we soon lost sight of the city and the surrounding villages - untill alone is visible the gigantic side of Mount Sipylus - about midnight the boat, stopped and a confused trampling and scufling on deck ensued - we were taking in passengers at Mityline - to find room on decks already crowded - creates a disturbance - that threatened to end in a fight.

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