You might check "Overspeeding" in the Library of America collection of
Tales, Sketches, Speeches, and Essays...vol. 2... page 692.

On Sun, Oct 24, 2010 at 10:38 PM, Jeff Smith <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> On Sun, Oct 24, 2010 at 9:43 PM, Kevin Mac Donnell <
> [log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> > He rode in an Oldsmobile driven by a race-car driver (who was killed a
> > short
> > time later in an auto accident). That image was reproduced as a postcard
> > advertising Olds Motor Works. That image should be online. I can give you
> > the details on the driver if you like.
> >
> > While running errands with Henry Rogers, he was left sitting in Rogers'
> > parked electric car when it slipped into gear and slowly began coasting
> > down
> > a street in Fairhaven. Rather than trying to guide or stop the car, Twain
> > simply hopped out, and the car ran aground on a curb or sidewalk with no
> > harm done to man or machine.
> >
> > I've seen two photos where he was sitting in a car (besides the one with
> > him
> > in the Olds), and of course there are a couple of photos of him admiring
> a
> > huge touring car parked in front of Stormfield the day of Clara's
> wedding.
> >
> > I also seem to recall him writing an angry "letter to the editor" in
> > Harper's Magazine (or a newspaper) complaining about dangerous drivers,
> ca.
> > 1905. I think he also campaigned against cars being allowed in Bermuda.
> >
>
>
> >
> > He might have felt differently if he'd ever climbed a hill with me in my
> 20
> > year old Miata with after-market supercharger. On the other hand, maybe
> > that
> > would have just confirmed his worst fears.
> >
>
> Either way it's fun to picture.
>
>
> >
> > Kevin
> > @
> > Mac Donnell Rare Books
> > 9307 Glenlake Drive
> > Austin TX 78730
> > 512-345-4139
> > Member: ABAA, ILAB
> > *************************
> > You may browse our books at
> > www.macdonnellrarebooks.com
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Ben Wise" <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: <[log in to unmask]>
> > Sent: Sunday, October 24, 2010 7:50 PM
> > Subject: Did Twain ever mention the automobile?
> >
> >
> > > Or ride in one?  Just wondering if he saw it coming, so to speak.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > -----
> > > No virus found in this message.
> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > > Version: 10.0.1144 / Virus Database: 422/3217 - Release Date: 10/24/10
> > >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> "It is one of the great mysteries of our nature, that a man, all
> unprepared,
> can receive a thunder-stroke like that and live. There is but one
> reasonable
> explanation of it. The intellect is stunned by the shock and but gropingly
> gathers the meaning of the words. The power to realize their full import is
> mercifully lacking."
> - Mark Twain, writing on the anniversary of receiving news of his daughter
> Susy's death at age 24.
> http://whit-superfriends.blogspot.com
>



-- 
Michael J. Kiskis
Leonard Tydings Grant Professor of American Literature
Elmira College
One Park Place
Elmira, NY  14901