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 Friday, January 15, 2010

May 29-30, 1842: Travelling

[May 29] Sunday light airs and thick foggy weather. At noon light airs with rain. At midnight - moderate breeze and cloudy. Performed divine service in the cabin. At 8 p.m. sounded on the whole bank, found bottom 55 fathoms. Dark gravel - wind variable - distance 246 miles. No longer seasick -

[May 30] Light winds and cloudy weather. At noon, moderate breezes and clear. Got masts and yards up, set all the sails. At midnight gale wind with rain. Wind from North to South east - distance 263 miles -