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 Saturday, August 22, 2009

November 2, 1841: Augustins church

In the Augustins church the military officers attend in uniform and mass performed for those that fell in the field of battle at Aspern, Wagrum, & Obnitz - in the midst of the church was a cenotaph of arms - which by the inscriptions I judged to be of those that were killed - no officers of high rank were slain, which does not speak well of the Austrian comanders -query - does a day pass without the archduke Charles' throughts receiving to Wagram - after my German lesson went to the Schwarze Adler - dined at the Casino - at the theatre sat next a man who said he knew french well, but for want of practice spoke it badly - pretended to know how the wings of the Sylphide were moved, but concluded he knew as little of the matter as myself - in the corps de ballet - observed

Jeannetta - the Madchen - that Kadame demont introduced me to - she is not one of the best dancers tho young and sprightly -