Why did ralph waldo emerson write to whitman, "i greet you at the beginning of a great career"?

emerson enjoyed whitman’s book of essays about america.
emerson believed whitman was an excellent reporter.
emerson knew whitman would become an important poet.
emerson appreciated whitman’s book about philosophy.

Emerson knew Whitman would become an important poet.

In this letter, Emerson congratulates Whitman on his book Leaves of Grass. He claims that this book is "the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed." Whitman was not as well-known as Emerson at the time, and the letter indicates that Emerson believed Whitman to be at the beginning of his career. However, he had high hopes for his future.

Emerson knew Whitman would become an important poet.

In this letter, Emerson congratulates Whitman on his book Leaves of Grass. He claims that this book is "the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed." Whitman was not as well-known as Emerson at the time, and the letter indicates that Emerson believed Whitman to be at the beginning of his career. However, he had high hopes for his future.