A good time for ‘Profiles in Courage’ | Letter

Maine Resident Highlights 1867 Impeachment Vote in Letter to the Editor

Portland, Maine – A recent letter to the editor in The Portland Press Herald drew attention to a pivotal moment in American history that took place in Washington, D.C., over 150 years ago. The writer, Meridy Lippoldt of Portland, reflected on Senator William Pitt Fessenden’s decisive vote during the 1867 impeachment proceedings against President Andrew Johnson, and praised President John F. Kennedy’s 1957 book Profiles in Courage for its portrayal of that moment.

The impeachment of President Johnson was a constitutional crisis that began after the Civil War. In a controversial move by the House of Representatives, the Senate held a trial in August 1867. On August 12, 1867, the Senate vote was split 28–22, falling one vote short of the two‑thirds majority needed to convict. Senator William Pitt Fessenden, a Republican from Maine, cast the lone vote that kept Johnson in office. Historians note that Fessenden’s decision was a gamble that could have jeopardized his own political standing; if the impeachment had succeeded, the Republican party’s influence in the Senate would have been significantly altered.

Fessenden, born in 1806, had been a prominent abolitionist and served as a U.S. Senator from 1849 until his death in 1869. His vote in favor of Johnson’s acquittal is often cited as an example of political courage and restraint. “I recommend the book to any American interested in being reminded about the legacy handed down to us over the centuries by brave individuals who put principle before self‑interest,” Lippoldt wrote, citing Kennedy’s book as an enduring tribute to such courage.

The letter, posted in the “Letter to the Editor” section of the Press Herald, also notes that Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage had been given as a gift to every high‑school senior in the state of Florida where Lippoldt grew up. The book, which profiles nine senators who made courageous decisions, was first published in 1957 and remains a staple in discussions of American political integrity.

“President Kennedy presented this narrative so nobly,” Lippoldt continued. “It serves as a continuing inspiration to us all.” The letter was signed by “Meridy Lippoldt, Portland” and included the author’s call to readers to consider the legacy of historical figures who prioritize principle over personal ambition.

While the letter is a personal reflection, it highlights a historical fact that has long been studied by scholars of Reconstruction-era politics. Fessenden’s vote is often cited in academic works as a turning point that allowed Johnson to continue serving as president, albeit under intense scrutiny from Congress. The vote also set a precedent for the Senate’s role in impeachment trials, underscoring the high threshold required for removal.

Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage has been both praised and critiqued for its focus on bipartisan actions during the post‑Civil War era. In the case of Fessenden, the book frames his decision as one that transcended party lines, illustrating the complex nature of political leadership during a time of national healing.

The Press Herald editorial board did not comment on the letter, but the piece was widely shared on social media platforms. In a city with a strong sense of civic pride, many residents appreciated the reminder of a local figure’s impact on national history. Lippoldt’s letter was also featured in the local school district’s newsletters, prompting several teachers to incorporate Fessenden’s story into their civics lessons.

For those interested in learning more about the 1867 impeachment trial, the National Archives hosts a collection of Senate transcripts and votes. The Senate’s official record confirms Fessenden’s vote as a critical element in Johnson’s acquittal. Additionally, several biographies of Fessenden and Andrew Johnson detail the political tensions that culminated in the vote, offering further insight into the motives and ramifications of the Senate’s decision.

In a broader context, Lippoldt’s letter serves as a reminder of how individual actions can reverberate through time. By reminding readers of a moment when a senator chose principle over political advantage, the writer encourages contemporary citizens to reflect on the enduring values that shape American democracy.