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 Saturday, October 17, 2009

January 20, 1842: Departure For Venice

Finished packing paintings and books by 12 o'clock. On going out found it a fine mild day - an evident change in the weather. Too favourable to be neglected so having now seen nearly all in Venice, and discharged my Italian tutor.

Delivered the paintings and books to Messr. Holme & Co. the American consul to forward to England & America. Took a gondola and made several calls - to the police office for passport - and thence to the Diligence office took a place for Verona. The boat to cross the lagune to leave at 12 o'clock midnight, thence to my rooms, packed trunks and had them passed and sealed at the custom house by 5 o'clock.

Dined at Marseilles in company with a Neapolitan and Pacini the composer of Sappho. Pacini is a great admirer of the sea and particularly the beauties of Milan, whom he described in flowing colours. Spent part of the evening at Florians -