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, November 8, 2009

February 14, 1842: Duomo

The diversions of the past night do not keep the Milanese ladies from their devotions. A number of elegantes at the sermon at the Duomo - some accompanied with their husbands or brothers and others "pun troppo" without "caro sposo [spouse]."

Among the last Claudina in her neat little velvet bonnet, adorned with modest flower. Her little round face and short person looked as amiable and serious as any of them. Dined at the Marino, took leave of Monr. Crosnier of Lyons, who departs for Genoa -