An "out-of-character" moment for Lincoln?

[Liz Rosenthal]

As a lifelong animal lover...I am a card carrying, dues paying member of the ASPCA and the doting mama of two adopted feral cats... I am especially touched by Lincoln animal stories.

It's very endearing that this gigantic, strong, rough man was also so gentle in so many ways.

I would say that Lincoln's gentleness was the rule rather than the exception.