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, November 17, 2009

February 23, 1842: Adieu Turin

The environs of Turin are considered well worth the attention of the traveler, but this is not the season for country and mountainous excursions. From Superga - crowned as its lofty summit is with the church, executed in commemoration of the victory of prince Eugena over the troops of Louis 14th - a century and a half ago.

Must be a lovely view in clear weather - this is the spire I saw from the top of the Duomo at Milan, a hundred miles distant have taken a place in the malle poste for Chambery, near Susa and Mont Cenis, to start at four and arrive in 27 hours . So adieu Turin and the river Po. Italy and the Apennines - when shall I see them again -