In regard to Rev. Allen's message about Rev. Joe Twichell, I can't let it be
said that Twain "might have treated him in an insulting manner."  He was
Twain's best friend, even though Twain was not of a religious persuasion.
Twichell officiated at most of the family's funerals and Clara's wedding a
year before Twain died.
Twain wrote the ribald  _1601_,  as a good-natured joke on his pal,
Twichell.  They held each other in the highest regard.
Elinor Reiss