Hal,

Would you please direct me to the evidence that supports this
statement?

"One of the odd things about it, by the way, is the fact that Twain in
truth seemed to think very little of the gray poet, in private at least.
The letter is fun to read because it is Twain sounding a lot like Whitman.
I wonder why he felt compelled to write a tribute to a poet about whom he
had very strong reservations?"

Thanks.

Gregg