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 Sunday, October 4, 2009

December 28-29, 1841: Paintings of Mons De Levy

Went to see the collection of paintings of Mons De Levy - who buys & sells. Has a large palace full of various masters - some good, but mostly retouched. Also to several private houses, old families whose necessities probably compel them to sell, but who ask three times as much as they would be willing to take.

Count a little old man in a thread bare coat, has some good things among them Erodiade with John the Baptists head, which he is very willing to pass for a Guido.

The last of these days mailed letters for Rochester and Mr. Lindell, St. Louis -