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 Monday, September 7, 2009

November 24, 1841: A pleasant, merry party

Purchased a small collection of Italian books - the works of the eminent poets and historians - could not find all that I enquired for - intend therefore to make some further additions at Venice - to form a small Italian library - on Friday evening dined with Mr. Moore the American consul - after dinner his weekly soiree attended by about twenty ladies and gentlemen residents of Trieste and mostly English - and among them Mrs. Shaw - Maria the sopra alto cantante at the opera - far from handsome but interesting in conversation - will be in Milan in March next - and some years hence expects to visit the U. States - Miss Moores played the piano - Mr. Moore and the elder persons of the party at whist - amusements & conversation kept up to near midnight - a pleasant merry party - Mr. Moores younger daughters very accomplished girls, natives of Trieste - as also his son Mr. Edward Moore.