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 Friday, September 4, 2009

November 18, 1841: 1827 was a very good year.

Weather cold and gloomy this morning - our journey to Trieste tomorrow will to all appearances commence in a November storm - yesterday and today have a slight headache and fever - perhaps change of climate from the warmth of Greece and Asia Minor to the cold of the Danube - or the good dinners and wine of (Gumpolts Kirchner 1827) at the Casino or - or - perhaps nothing at all.

Good bye journal - until Trieste.