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 8, 2009

November 27, 1841: Leaving for Venice

Packed books and trunks - to leave by the steamer for Venice at 11 o clock tonight - took Mr. Auguste Rossi to dine with me at the albergo Grande - in the evening at the opera - Mrs. Shaw very much applauded in a part she sang in the Bravo - took leave of my acquaintances in Mr. Rossi's box Mongolfo, etc. - at half past ten left the theatre for the steamer - luggage etc. all on board - a fine moonlight night - and the Adriatic calm and placid