the Thoreau Log.
22 September 1853. Maine.

Thoreau writes in his journal:

  Behind one house, an Indian had nearly finished one canoe and was just beginning another, outdoors. I looked very narrowly at the process and had already carefully examined and measured our birch. We asked this Indian his name. He answered readily and pleasantly, “My name is Old John Pennyweight” . . .

  Went into a batteau manufactory. Said they made knees of almost everything; that they were about worn out in one trip up river . . .

(Journal, 5:427-432)

In “Chesuncook,” Thoreau writes:

  An Indian who was making canoes behind a house, looking up pleasantly from his work,—for he knew my companion,—said that his name was Old John Pennyweight. I had heard of him long before, and I inquired after one of his contemporaries, Joe four-pence-ha’-penny; but alas! he no longer circulates . . .
(The Maine Woods, 165-166)

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