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, January 13, 2010

May 25-27: Weather

[May 25] Strong breezes and cloudy - set fore and aft sails. At noon a brig in sight, wind N West - distance I78 miles - heavy swell and seasick again -

[May 26] Strong breezes and squally with rain and hail all the 24 hours - wind W N W to S West. Distance 171 miles heavy head swell - and cold -

[May 27] Fresh gales and rainy weather afterward clear with a heavy sea. Wind S West to West - distance run 175 miles all the time blowing fresh -