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, September 22, 2009

December 12, 1841: The Pretty Sisters

Went last evening to the Theatre San Benedetto - it was the first appearance of a young Venetian prima donna in the Son mbula. The crowd great, and applause beyond bounds. The Venetians are forward to encourage their compatriots & applause costs nothing, not even gloved at Venice.

Some beautiful languishing eyes in the boxes - the two pretty sisters, one of whom Simos was so taken with. Brava Signorina queste pome di paradiso, bellissimo sono, e buoni frutti non sono fatte pu nas condere. A continuance of the same fine weather - military music on the Piazza San Marco. Dined at the table d'hote of the Europa in company with Mr. Risch, a young German gentleman. Retired early to my room, wrote a long letter to Mr. Lindell -