August 2, 1845 Arkansas Intelligencer Van Buren, Crawford County,Arkansas The New Steamer "Arkansas No. 5" built by the enterprising owner of "Arkansas No 4" is represented as a splendid boat. (Captain Pennywit was mastering the Arkansas No 4 and Captain Phineas White was on the No. 5) August 30, 1845 The river is low and falling. The thousands of snags that render our noble stream at all times dangerous, might now be removed with ease. We hope to hear of some of Uncle Sam's Snag Boats in this river shortly. September 13. 1845 There is only one Snag Boat, the Gopher, at work on the western waters; she is engaged on the Ohio, and from the low stage of water is enabled to do great service. One or two would be of great benefit to the navigation of Arkansas. And we hope that all interested in safe navigation of our river will move on this matter. November 22, 1845 We learn from a letter recieved by a gentleman of this place, that the Steamer "Arkansas No.5" struck a snag near the "cut-off" on her last trip down, which renders it necessary fro her to go into dock; for which purpose she has gone up to Louisville. December 13, 1845 Captain Pennywit's new steamer, the "Arkansas No. 5" was run into by the steamer Champion, near Natchez, and sunk. A total loss. The "No. 5" was entirely new, of the first class of steamer, and was built by her enterprising owner especiallly for this trade. December 27, 1845 We are happy to learn that Captain Pennywit has succeeded in raising the steamer "Arkansas No.5" and she is in the dock at New Orleans. February 28, 1846 On Wednsday morning last, we were visited by our much esteemed friend, Old Captain Phillip Pennywit the "Neptune of Arkansas" with his new and splendid steamer the "Arkansas No. 5" that measures 156 feet keel, 26 feet beam, 5 feet hold, fine and comfortable cabin, draws 24 inches water, light, carries 300 tons of freight, and when she arrived at our wharf, nothwithstanding the low stage of water, had on board 120 tons of freight, quite a number of cabin passengers, besides 90 soldiers. We think that our merchants have nothing to fear on account of low water. Fran Alverson Warren I guess all of us have a "hero" of sorts and Captain Pennywit is one of mine as I read the old Crawford County Newspapers. He is one that I always look forward to reading more about! He was in no way related to my family, but I will always wish that he had been. At times I believe a book could be written about his life just from the newspaper extractions!