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 Wednesday, December 16, 2009

March 28, 1842: Madame Rachel

Breakfasted at the Palais Royal, called on W. Hautefeuille. Found him engaged at his business as a painter (see Journal of May). Presented me a ticket for the chamber of Peers tomorrow. Dined at Meurice, in the evening at the Theatre Francais, Madame Rachel performed Roxane in the tragedy of Bajazet by Racine with great spirit. Mollieres Amphiad trion excited abundance of laughter and blushes among the ladies of course. For a man to be made a cuckold, even by Juniter himself