1866 Diary of a Wealthy American Businessman on an Extended Journey of Work and Play Through Europe

On offer is a fine, detailed record of an American businessman’s travels and business dealings in Europe in the 19th century.

The author of the record is unknown. However, from context, he is an American, well educated and a successful businessman. Whether he is an entrepreneur or working for a firm, he is clearly working at a high level, having earned wealth and the respect of those around him. We know that, when not traveling, he lives outside of Chicago With his wife (Belle) and children.

The journal opens with our diarist already in Paris. His subsequent travels take him first to Spain, Portugal, Algiers, and Italy. He then travels across Europe to Britain and Ireland and then home. His diary begins on January 1, 1866, and continued until his return home on May 8th, 1866. Along the way he recounts numerous sights, describes meeting with agents in various cities and his own insights and opinions on his experiences. His interests range from produce to wines to machinery.

He opens his diary with a sweet, descriptive entry, which sets the tone for the rest of his diary:

“Commencement of a new year and under circumstances far different from any heretofore in my life. Away from family from Home in a foreign land. Also just commenced a Christian life. Hope to grow in grace. The change must come naturally. The morning of the day passed in looking up courier for the trip to Spain. The nobility of Paris all out in splendid equipages calling at the 2 milleries on the Superior. Beautiful day. Called on Mrs. Isham,  Mrs. Farmain, Mr. Bigelow, Mr. Samson and Bishop Whitehouse. Dined with Mr. and Mrs. Schley and their family. Mr. Peck included. Have a bad head cold” [Jan 1, 1866]. 

All of his entries are equally long and detailed as the above, and the following excerpts are tiny snippets of each entry from which they are excerpted:

“... Called in at the American Consul, Mr. Davidson formerly of Chicago. Going with him to see Extensive Wine Cellars…” [Jan 3].

“...All well & happy – Wish I knew that my family were as well. I can only hope & pray that they are…” [Jan 26 – written on board streamer from Algiers to Marseilles].

“…Called on American Consul – Mr. Monti. Inquired about wines. Finally arranged with a Mr. Morrison to ship some to New York.... Next to Monte Peregrino which is about 2ó miles from the City {ed note: Palermo)...” [Feb 9].

As he travels across Europe, he diligently keeps a record of what he sees and visits. A man who appreciates culture, he visits cathedrals, museums and art galleries, enjoys opera and dines well. He is a keen observer of what he sees while travelling by train.

“...Took car for Munich ... country as far as could see was beautiful. The RR Route being a little off from the valley of the Danube on the left hand side through a fine agricultural country…” [Mar 16].

“...Rec’d letter from Frankfurt about wine and purchased it. Called on Mr. C [ ] agent for Woods NY. [ ] who went with me to see agents of Howard’s to Fowlers Steam Plows. Made arrangement to go in county to see them work…” [Apr 16].

At the back of the dairy, our author has done a spectacular job noting his expenses. His expense accounting is extensive and detailed, covering a range of services and items, not unlike a business traveller today.

This small journal is excellent source material for a historian looking at the efforts of American business to work with and expand international contact at the very time the country is beginning to recover from the Civil War. More than a dry recitation of meeting information, it presents Europe through the eyes of an American business executive. The expense ledge gives a good idea of the actual costs of goods and services in various places across the continent.

This small notebook measures 7.25x3.0 inches and contains 42 pages. It is 100% complete. The covers are missing from the notebook. However the sewn binding is intact and all of the pages are in good condition. The handwriting is legible. Overall Fair.