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 15, 2009

December 4, 1841: Riva Sciarone

Called on Mr. Holme, the American consul. The letters I have received from America quite satisfactory. Mr. Valentine who I believe to be the partner of Mr. Holme, offers to lend me two volumes of Venetian history in English. From my rooms to the place St. Mark seven minutes walk, have to cross seven bridges. Walked along the front of the city along the shore called the Riva Sciarone to the entrance of the Arsenal, where stands the colossal lion, of the Athenians, and that formerly adorned the entrance of the Piraeus -