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 Tuesday, March 17, 2009

May 16, 1841: Back pain

Spent most of the fore part of the day in writing letters to Mr. R. Hoole and sister Sarah. The air of Malta in the shade is yet quite cool from sitting with my coat off and the door my room open

Was suddenly seised with a violent pain in my back which did not get rid of all day - in the evening went limping to embark on the Vesuvio to pursue the voyage around Sicily but had to remain behind for from neglect my passport was not signed by the health officer - therefore thought best to discontinue the tour and pursue my voyage to Athens -

Came back to the hotel in rather an ill humour - but considering the mutable nature of all humans affairs reconciled myself to the change - retired to rest with a bad pain the back - query am not these stone chamber floors the cause of it in part -

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