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 Saturday, January 16, 2010

May 31, 1842: Passing Nova Scotia

Moderate breezes - at 6 in the morning saw the coast of Nova Scotia, at 10 saw Cape Spry. At one o'clock took a pilot aboard for Halifax harbour, which entered in a fog. Running up the harbour fired a salute and at 3 moored at Cunard wharf. The officer (Mr. Ambrose) landed the mails and government dispatches. Walked up to fort on the hill whilst the ship took in 300 tons of coal. At 7 the officers returned with the mail and we departed for Boston - Wind W to N W —