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, April 7, 2009

June 11, 1841: Arriving at Asia Minor

Rather feverish this morning - thought abstinance the best remedy so breakfasted on an orange - on going on deck was full before us the island of Scio the most beautifull and verdant of the archipelago but the pleasing view is no unmixed with reminiscences of its late misfortunes - among ruined buildings are scattered among its groves of cypress and mastic trees - after the rebellion of 1822 - nine hundred greeks alone remained out of the previous 120,000 most were put to the sword or led into slavery some escaped and these are now returned so that the island is already returning is cheerfull appearance - it still continues under the turkish government -

Our boat stopped several passengers came on board, and a well dressed turkish officer with a fez and milatary coat - coasting along the eastern side of Scio - soon doubled the cape on the continent of Asia Minor and entered the Gulf of Smyrna, at the bottom of which is situated the port and city of that name - the island of Mityline was in sight at a distance and opposite to the mouth of the Gulf - sailing down the gulf had a pleasing view of the fertile, tho mountainous shores of Asia Minor - but the charms of nature were even inadequate to drive away head ache and drowsiness - each new scene only made me wish more to be in sight of Smyrna and ashore in a comfortable room at an hotel -

At last Smyrna lay before us houses interspersed with shady groves of cypress and overlooked by lofty mount Pagus - crowned with the ruins of its fortress - the scene of many a bloody seige in times gone by - was among the first ashore - and soon comfortably lodged at the Pension Suisse - a divan afforded several hours of safeded repose - and taking the precaution to eat little or no dinner retired to rest at an early hour -

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