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 Monday, January 11, 2010

May 21-23, 1842: Under the Weather

[May 21] Fresh breezes with rain all day - at 4 in the morning. Four miles from Cape Clear. West & N N East - distance run from 4 o'clock to noon, 66 miles - sick in berth all day -

[May 22] Fresh breezes and cloudy- more moderate the rest of the day. Wind from N N E to N West. Distance run in 24 hours 210 miles - rather sick, divine service in Cabin -

[May 23] Moderate breezes and clear weather the whole 24 hours Wind V N W to North - distance 217 miles. Recovered from sickness - moment left violent -