Butler had also rebuked the less forbearing Edward D. Baker, who responded heatedly, calling Butler “a fool.” Acting as peacemaker, Lincoln explained to Butler that Baker had been “writhing under a severe tooth-ache,” hence “at that time was incapable of exercising that patience and reflection which the case required.” He counseled that it “is always magnanamous to recant whatever we may have said in passion; and when you and Baker shall have done this, I am sure there will no difficulty be left between you.” Lincoln practiced what he preached, exercising over the years an almost superhuman magnanimity.
Source: Abraham Lincoln ∶ A Life ▫𓂃