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 22, 2009

February 28, 1842: The Port

The steamers on the lake have not commenced to run. In the winter months, the water in the port is too shallow to admit anything but the smallest sized boats. A hydrometer to measure the height stands in the street in front of ray window. Many come to look at it with apparent anxiety as to the state of the water. A drizzling rain with fog, scarcely went out, abundance of french newspapers of all sorts in the coffees. No restrictions at the protestant city of Geneva -